RSS Marketing and Real-Life Marketing Experience
The different marketing approach: Real-life marketing experience, views and results. Commentary included.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Affordable Linux and Windows Web Hosting from $4.15/m with FREE Domain Registration Australia
Affordable Linux and Windows Web Hosting from $4.15/m with FREE Domain Registration Australia
Take This Host provides fast, reliable web hosting services that are completely scalable. From personal web sites to corporate enterprises, we can provide a comprehensive suite of hosting solutions to your needs which can help you get your online presence fast. Our services offer flexible features, precise performance, remarkable reliability, and superior support.
We provide comprehensive, integrated and secure infrastructure, for all types of hosting needs. We cater to various markets and provide General Web Hosting : PHP Web Hosting : MySQL Web Hosting : JSP Web Hosting : ASP Web Hosting : ASP.NET Web Hosting : Linux Hosting : Reseller Hosting : FrontPage Web Hosting : Website Hosting : Internet Hosting : Affordable Web Hosting : Video Music Streaming : Email Hosting : Forum Hosting : File Hosting : Ecommerce Web Hosting : Unix Hosting : CPanel Hosting : Helm Hosting : Unlimited Domain Hosting : Multiple Domain Hosting : Blog Hosting : Fast Web Hosting : Image Hosting : Picture Hosting : Domain Registration : Australian Domain Registration and more! We also have an attractive and feature rich, reseller web hosting and affiliate program.
Dont understand the Jargon? Dont care? Click here to order a standard plan - if you need additional services at a later date, we'll simply add them. No problem. Or Choose one of the plans listed below to get started:
Take This Host provides fast, reliable web hosting services that are completely scalable. From personal web sites to corporate enterprises, we can provide a comprehensive suite of hosting solutions to your needs which can help you get your online presence fast. Our services offer flexible features, precise performance, remarkable reliability, and superior support.
We provide comprehensive, integrated and secure infrastructure, for all types of hosting needs. We cater to various markets and provide General Web Hosting : PHP Web Hosting : MySQL Web Hosting : JSP Web Hosting : ASP Web Hosting : ASP.NET Web Hosting : Linux Hosting : Reseller Hosting : FrontPage Web Hosting : Website Hosting : Internet Hosting : Affordable Web Hosting : Video Music Streaming : Email Hosting : Forum Hosting : File Hosting : Ecommerce Web Hosting : Unix Hosting : CPanel Hosting : Helm Hosting : Unlimited Domain Hosting : Multiple Domain Hosting : Blog Hosting : Fast Web Hosting : Image Hosting : Picture Hosting : Domain Registration : Australian Domain Registration and more! We also have an attractive and feature rich, reseller web hosting and affiliate program.
Dont understand the Jargon? Dont care? Click here to order a standard plan - if you need additional services at a later date, we'll simply add them. No problem. Or Choose one of the plans listed below to get started:
Smartphone, Dumb Strategy - Gizmodo
Smartphone, Dumb Strategy - Gizmodo
Smartphone, Dumb Strategy
READ MORE: Cellphones, PDAs, Smartphones
nokia9300.jpgWe all know that when it comes to the mobile phones that come stateside, it’s the carriers who hold all the cards. So it’s nice to see that Cingular is letting us have a cool phone (that of course, has already been out in Europe) right here in the US. An e-mail sent to developers included news that Cingular will be picking up the Nokia 9300 Smartphone—a candybar-style cell with handsfree speakerphone, Internet connectivity and an 80 MB built-in memory. In stores before end-of-year? It will take Vegas odds-makers to answer that one.
Smartphone, Dumb Strategy
READ MORE: Cellphones, PDAs, Smartphones
nokia9300.jpgWe all know that when it comes to the mobile phones that come stateside, it’s the carriers who hold all the cards. So it’s nice to see that Cingular is letting us have a cool phone (that of course, has already been out in Europe) right here in the US. An e-mail sent to developers included news that Cingular will be picking up the Nokia 9300 Smartphone—a candybar-style cell with handsfree speakerphone, Internet connectivity and an 80 MB built-in memory. In stores before end-of-year? It will take Vegas odds-makers to answer that one.
ThinkGeek :: Affiliate Program
ThinkGeek :: Affiliate Program
Want to become part of the ThinkGeek inner circle and make money while you're at it? Join our affiliate program and earn referral commissions by sending customers to our site. It's simple to do and it's free! What more could you ask? ThinkGeek uses Commission Junction to conduct our affiliate program. For more information about Commission Junction and how we work with them, check out our FAQ. Getting started is easy, just follow these steps:
Sign up. Link to ThinkGeek. Make money. w00t!
Want to become part of the ThinkGeek inner circle and make money while you're at it? Join our affiliate program and earn referral commissions by sending customers to our site. It's simple to do and it's free! What more could you ask? ThinkGeek uses Commission Junction to conduct our affiliate program. For more information about Commission Junction and how we work with them, check out our FAQ. Getting started is easy, just follow these steps:
Sign up. Link to ThinkGeek. Make money. w00t!
PSLover.com - Adobe Photoshop Tutorials
PSLover.com - Adobe Photoshop Tutorials
Photoshop lover is your 1 stop photoshop tutorials and resource site. We have a huge collection of photoshop tutorials for photoshop users of all skill levels.
Photoshop lover is your 1 stop photoshop tutorials and resource site. We have a huge collection of photoshop tutorials for photoshop users of all skill levels.
Virtual Organizational Development 2004
Virtual Organizational Development 2004
Virtual Organizational Development 2004
Best Practices in OD that overcome time and space!
Presenters
World-class presenters will share their perspectives on key trends and developments in technology and web strategies for nonprofits and non-governmental organizations.
Virtual Organizational Development 2004
Best Practices in OD that overcome time and space!
Presenters
World-class presenters will share their perspectives on key trends and developments in technology and web strategies for nonprofits and non-governmental organizations.
Display Purposes Only
Display Purposes Only
Street art meets fashion meets technology meets you.
* To coincide with the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2005 a series of specially printed t-shirts has been hung around the city.
* People are encouraged to take a t-shirt when they find one.
* Attached to each t-shirt is a card requesting each find be registered online.
* This project is also happening in Berlin, Beijing, LA, NYC, Portland, Davis, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, London, Bali, Whistler and Dunedin.
Street art meets fashion meets technology meets you.
* To coincide with the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2005 a series of specially printed t-shirts has been hung around the city.
* People are encouraged to take a t-shirt when they find one.
* Attached to each t-shirt is a card requesting each find be registered online.
* This project is also happening in Berlin, Beijing, LA, NYC, Portland, Davis, Sydney, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, London, Bali, Whistler and Dunedin.
University of Technology, Sydney
University of Technology, Sydney
Welcome to the UTS Website
Ross Milbourne Like the City of Sydney, UTS is dynamic, cosmopolitan, diverse, vibrant, multicultural and stimulating.
We view as a key strength the social and cultural diversity of our students, staff and partners in the professions and the community. This diversity has created a vibrant and rich learning environment that prepares graduates for a borderless workplace.
I think as you navigate around the UTS website it will become very clear that UTS excels in all sorts of academic and professional areas. You will also get a sense of our strong commitment to our local, national and global communities.
Enjoy your journey around the UTS Website.
Ross Milbourne
Welcome to the UTS Website
Ross Milbourne Like the City of Sydney, UTS is dynamic, cosmopolitan, diverse, vibrant, multicultural and stimulating.
We view as a key strength the social and cultural diversity of our students, staff and partners in the professions and the community. This diversity has created a vibrant and rich learning environment that prepares graduates for a borderless workplace.
I think as you navigate around the UTS website it will become very clear that UTS excels in all sorts of academic and professional areas. You will also get a sense of our strong commitment to our local, national and global communities.
Enjoy your journey around the UTS Website.
Ross Milbourne
Worldbridges - Global Webcasts Podcasts
Worldbridges - Global Webcasts Podcasts
Welcome to Worldbridges
by Worldbridges Manager @ 7:24 pm. Filed under Webcasts, Announcements
We are building a global network of homegrown webcasting one webcast at a time. Recordings of recent live interactive webcasts are below. To stay informed of project developments and automatically get the latest audio, you can subscribe to The Wire Newsletter and to our RSS feed. Visit our Guides Section for information about listening to, participating in, and producing live interactive webcasts. You can contact us at livewire at worldbridges.com
Welcome to Worldbridges
by Worldbridges Manager @ 7:24 pm. Filed under Webcasts, Announcements
We are building a global network of homegrown webcasting one webcast at a time. Recordings of recent live interactive webcasts are below. To stay informed of project developments and automatically get the latest audio, you can subscribe to The Wire Newsletter and to our RSS feed. Visit our Guides Section for information about listening to, participating in, and producing live interactive webcasts. You can contact us at livewire at worldbridges.com
Microsoft eLearning Library (MELL) Overview
Microsoft eLearning Library (MELL) Overview
Microsoft eLearning Library (MELL) is a cost-effective, self-hosted learning solution that provides valuable software training and reference materials on Microsoft products and technologies.
Published in three different editions—Desktop, IT Professional, and Developer—that target the unique training needs of both individual users and corporate customers, MELL can help you learn to make the most of the Microsoft products you use every day—whether you are a business user, IT professional, developer, educator, student, or home user.
==========================================
Business users who need to learn software on the job can increase their skills and self-confidence with the Microsoft eLearning Library (MELL) Desktop Edition. Lessons on Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows combined with a powerful new online search tool and online references reinforce learning, increase productivity, and reduce downtime. The MELL Desktop Edition also comes with an easy-to-use administration tool, making reporting and customization easier than ever.
The MELL Desktop Edition provides:
* High-quality, browser-based training that offers users a familiar environment in which to learn new tasks and acquire new skills.
* Interactive exercises and focused lessons on specific subjects to help users quickly learn exactly what they need to know.
* A powerful, new search tool that enables users to search across installed online references and components for quick answers to common and not-so-common questions.
* The ability to send and receive shortcut links to relevant help topics, which significantly reduces time spent on the phone with tech support calls.
* A fully customizable learning environment that makes it easy to add or remove learning materials so users can learn at their own pace.
* The ability to install courses locally for convenient offline access, enabling users to learn while on the road or at home.
Microsoft eLearning Library (MELL) is a cost-effective, self-hosted learning solution that provides valuable software training and reference materials on Microsoft products and technologies.
Published in three different editions—Desktop, IT Professional, and Developer—that target the unique training needs of both individual users and corporate customers, MELL can help you learn to make the most of the Microsoft products you use every day—whether you are a business user, IT professional, developer, educator, student, or home user.
==========================================
Business users who need to learn software on the job can increase their skills and self-confidence with the Microsoft eLearning Library (MELL) Desktop Edition. Lessons on Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows combined with a powerful new online search tool and online references reinforce learning, increase productivity, and reduce downtime. The MELL Desktop Edition also comes with an easy-to-use administration tool, making reporting and customization easier than ever.
The MELL Desktop Edition provides:
* High-quality, browser-based training that offers users a familiar environment in which to learn new tasks and acquire new skills.
* Interactive exercises and focused lessons on specific subjects to help users quickly learn exactly what they need to know.
* A powerful, new search tool that enables users to search across installed online references and components for quick answers to common and not-so-common questions.
* The ability to send and receive shortcut links to relevant help topics, which significantly reduces time spent on the phone with tech support calls.
* A fully customizable learning environment that makes it easy to add or remove learning materials so users can learn at their own pace.
* The ability to install courses locally for convenient offline access, enabling users to learn while on the road or at home.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Google AdWords-AdSense Block Diagram
Google AdWords-AdSense Block Diagram
HERE is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between Google AdWords, and the Google AdSense PPC program.
The searcher is shown in Green (top).
Google is shown in Blue.
The ads are Yellow.
Secret Sauce is shown in Grey.
Adwords customers shown in Violet (left).
The web publisher is shown in Pink (right).
In no way, is this meant to be a comprehensive description. Only those aspects are shown which relate to the inter-relationships.
HERE is a block diagram illustrating the relationship between Google AdWords, and the Google AdSense PPC program.
The searcher is shown in Green (top).
Google is shown in Blue.
The ads are Yellow.
Secret Sauce is shown in Grey.
Adwords customers shown in Violet (left).
The web publisher is shown in Pink (right).
In no way, is this meant to be a comprehensive description. Only those aspects are shown which relate to the inter-relationships.
Technorati Weblog: Technorati/Edelman Blogger PR Survey
Technorati Weblog: Technorati/Edelman Blogger PR Survey
Technorati/Edelman Blogger PR Survey
Posted by Niall KennedyNiall Kennedy on September 23, 2005. Tags: Technorati News
Technorati and Edelman are partnering in an attempt to better understand how blogging and traditional PR intersect, and what bloggers think about communication from mainstream companies. Edelman is a global public relations firm representing brands such as Xbox, Nissan, and Dove. Working together, we created a 18-question survey to better understand the blogging community and your preferred methods of hearing from companies.
Is receiving a press release from a PR agency just more spam? What about product discounts or free goods? Are there better ways for traditional marketers and bloggers to interact? What is the implicit contract created when marketers and bloggers communicate? What are the ethical questions? What are companies not listening to that they should be listening to?
Please take a few minutes to answer the survey. This survey is intended as a starting point for discussion, and not a comprehensive be-all, end-all survey. Personally identifiable information is not tracked but you may explicitly give us permission upon submission to send you the final results of the survey. We will review the aggregated results and include the findings in a public white paper next month to help inform bloggers, companies, and public relations firms. All survey respondents have the option to receive this white paper via e-mail as soon as it is available.
Technorati/Edelman Blogger PR Survey
Posted by Niall KennedyNiall Kennedy on September 23, 2005. Tags: Technorati News
Technorati and Edelman are partnering in an attempt to better understand how blogging and traditional PR intersect, and what bloggers think about communication from mainstream companies. Edelman is a global public relations firm representing brands such as Xbox, Nissan, and Dove. Working together, we created a 18-question survey to better understand the blogging community and your preferred methods of hearing from companies.
Is receiving a press release from a PR agency just more spam? What about product discounts or free goods? Are there better ways for traditional marketers and bloggers to interact? What is the implicit contract created when marketers and bloggers communicate? What are the ethical questions? What are companies not listening to that they should be listening to?
Please take a few minutes to answer the survey. This survey is intended as a starting point for discussion, and not a comprehensive be-all, end-all survey. Personally identifiable information is not tracked but you may explicitly give us permission upon submission to send you the final results of the survey. We will review the aggregated results and include the findings in a public white paper next month to help inform bloggers, companies, and public relations firms. All survey respondents have the option to receive this white paper via e-mail as soon as it is available.
frepa.blog - On e-learning and Learning Technology»Blog Archive » E-Learning Standards Survey
frepa.blog - On e-learning and Learning Technology»Blog Archive » E-Learning Standards Survey
Jcoll started as an effort to support experience exchange and collaboration between StarOffice-users in Swedish schools (http://utbtet.skolutveckling.se) and could be described as an easy to use projectspace. The use of jcoll has expanded to other forms of collaboration both national with the national program for soft infrastructure - http://mjukis.skolutveckling.se and international within the Nordic Councils grant programs for collaboration between schools in the Nordic region - http://www.nordskol.org/nsn/start.jsp?vp=Z. Jcolls design is component-based in order to provide a flexibel way to facilitate different needs within collaborative settings i.e. experience exchange, project work. Jcoll uses several open standards such as RSS for newsfeeds, iCal for calanderinformation etc.
Jcoll started as an effort to support experience exchange and collaboration between StarOffice-users in Swedish schools (http://utbtet.skolutveckling.se) and could be described as an easy to use projectspace. The use of jcoll has expanded to other forms of collaboration both national with the national program for soft infrastructure - http://mjukis.skolutveckling.se and international within the Nordic Councils grant programs for collaboration between schools in the Nordic region - http://www.nordskol.org/nsn/start.jsp?vp=Z. Jcolls design is component-based in order to provide a flexibel way to facilitate different needs within collaborative settings i.e. experience exchange, project work. Jcoll uses several open standards such as RSS for newsfeeds, iCal for calanderinformation etc.
jcoll - jcoll
jcoll - jcoll
Jcoll started as an effort to support experience exchange and collaboration between StarOffice-users in Swedish schools (http://utbtet.skolutveckling.se) and could be described as an easy to use projectspace. The use of jcoll has expanded to other forms of collaboration both national with the national program for soft infrastructure - http://mjukis.skolutveckling.se and international within the Nordic Councils grant programs for collaboration between schools in the Nordic region - http://www.nordskol.org/nsn/start.jsp?vp=Z. Jcolls design is component-based in order to provide a flexibel way to facilitate different needs within collaborative settings i.e. experience exchange, project work. Jcoll uses several open standards such as RSS for newsfeeds, iCal for calanderinformation etc.
Jcoll started as an effort to support experience exchange and collaboration between StarOffice-users in Swedish schools (http://utbtet.skolutveckling.se) and could be described as an easy to use projectspace. The use of jcoll has expanded to other forms of collaboration both national with the national program for soft infrastructure - http://mjukis.skolutveckling.se and international within the Nordic Councils grant programs for collaboration between schools in the Nordic region - http://www.nordskol.org/nsn/start.jsp?vp=Z. Jcolls design is component-based in order to provide a flexibel way to facilitate different needs within collaborative settings i.e. experience exchange, project work. Jcoll uses several open standards such as RSS for newsfeeds, iCal for calanderinformation etc.
2005 Standards Survey Results
2005 Standards Survey Results
E-Learning Standards Survey
September 2005
For some, standards may have fallen off the e-learning radar screen. But in reality, standards are and continue to be a part of all aspects of learning. To learn how—and whether—organizations are using e-learning standards, Learning Circuits, in conjunction with E-Learning Network News, ran a short survey in July 2005. Here’s what respondents had to say. (Results are based 248 responses).
E-Learning Standards Survey
September 2005
For some, standards may have fallen off the e-learning radar screen. But in reality, standards are and continue to be a part of all aspects of learning. To learn how—and whether—organizations are using e-learning standards, Learning Circuits, in conjunction with E-Learning Network News, ran a short survey in July 2005. Here’s what respondents had to say. (Results are based 248 responses).
massless.org
massless.org
The following scripts are aged. More than a few years old at this point. I keep them around for sentimental value. These things will be deprecated and, given time, I hope to begin contributing share-able stuff instead to code.google.com.
* Massless' Calendar Object
A Calendar object base designed for use in prototyping a web application's UI.
* Namaste
A collection of classes for form creation and management via Javascript. Useful as a demonstration of applying object-oriented design principles to client-side scripting. I find Namaste useful for prototyping.
* An ExtendedForm class
Collects form access/validation in one extensible Javascript object.
* Sanguine
An XML editing interface API in Javascript.
* How to Freeze Columns Using Javascript and HTML
Like Excel, a table with frozen columns. Works in IE, Mozilla, and Safari.
* A Richer
An experimental editable table layout that doesn't use the TABLE tag.
What is unusual about this book is the modular design. Again, someone has realized that you build on small learning elements, to concepts, and then to larger goals. -- The founding principle of AEmeritus!
The following scripts are aged. More than a few years old at this point. I keep them around for sentimental value. These things will be deprecated and, given time, I hope to begin contributing share-able stuff instead to code.google.com.
* Massless' Calendar Object
A Calendar object base designed for use in prototyping a web application's UI.
* Namaste
A collection of classes for form creation and management via Javascript. Useful as a demonstration of applying object-oriented design principles to client-side scripting. I find Namaste useful for prototyping.
* An ExtendedForm class
Collects form access/validation in one extensible Javascript object.
* Sanguine
An XML editing interface API in Javascript.
* How to Freeze Columns Using Javascript and HTML
Like Excel, a table with frozen columns. Works in IE, Mozilla, and Safari.
* A Richer
An experimental editable table layout that doesn't use the TABLE tag.
massless.org
massless.org
A more technical note on Blogger's implementation of WYSIWYG editing in the browser.
What's this all about then?
I just wanted to provide a brief overview on implementing WYSIWYG editing within Blogger that describes some of the techniques and technologies required for its implementation and the address the impact of the design on web standards education.
WYSIWYG: An acronym that stands for What - You - See - Is - What - You - Get. A WYSIWYG application is one that enables you to see on the display screen exactly what will appear when the document is printed. WYSIWYG applications are especially popular for publishing.
A more technical note on Blogger's implementation of WYSIWYG editing in the browser.
What's this all about then?
I just wanted to provide a brief overview on implementing WYSIWYG editing within Blogger that describes some of the techniques and technologies required for its implementation and the address the impact of the design on web standards education.
WYSIWYG: An acronym that stands for What - You - See - Is - What - You - Get. A WYSIWYG application is one that enables you to see on the display screen exactly what will appear when the document is printed. WYSIWYG applications are especially popular for publishing.
What are alternatives to Google AdSense?
What are alternatives to Google AdSense?
What are alternatives to Google AdSense?
Google AdSense is the leader in web-based content-sensitive marketing.
Webmasters place Google AdSense JavaScript code on their web pages and Google AdSense serves advertisements based upon the content of the web page.
There should be a Google AdSense skyscraper displayed on the right side of this web page right now.
Some webmasters are either not accepted into the Google AdSense program, or do not wish to do business with Google.
Text Link Ads
Need Links? Buy Links at TLA. Need Money? Sell Links at TLA.
www.Text-Link-Ads.com
What are alternatives to Google AdSense?
Google AdSense is the leader in web-based content-sensitive marketing.
Webmasters place Google AdSense JavaScript code on their web pages and Google AdSense serves advertisements based upon the content of the web page.
There should be a Google AdSense skyscraper displayed on the right side of this web page right now.
Some webmasters are either not accepted into the Google AdSense program, or do not wish to do business with Google.
Text Link Ads
Need Links? Buy Links at TLA. Need Money? Sell Links at TLA.
www.Text-Link-Ads.com
Download Squad
Download Squad
Slawesome is a curiously-named service that sends e-mails with voice recordings. The interface is dead-simple: You enter the e-mail address of the recipient, click on the record button, talk into your microphone, and send it off. It calls itself "so alpha it makes us cry," and though it isn't exactly bursting with features, it actually feels pretty polished and does, indeed, work as adverstised. How useful it really is, however, remains to be seen.
Slawesome is a curiously-named service that sends e-mails with voice recordings. The interface is dead-simple: You enter the e-mail address of the recipient, click on the record button, talk into your microphone, and send it off. It calls itself "so alpha it makes us cry," and though it isn't exactly bursting with features, it actually feels pretty polished and does, indeed, work as adverstised. How useful it really is, however, remains to be seen.
sane css typography
sane css typography
Sane CSS Sizes
..wherein we present a method of text sizing in CSS that actually works consistently across our browsers without offending designers.
This is just a little something I've been meaning to put online for folks starting CSS. It's my generic text styles template. Due to browser shortcomings, what should be pretty simple is an unfortunate hell when you're new to things.
The short history of CSS text sizing involves a number of issues. First is that the browser defaults are huge, like 200% of program toolbar font. Absurd. So designers made text smaller, and they found the only thing that worked consistently across browsers (which in those days meant IE and Netscape) was to set it in pixels. Which could not be resized in IE PC, presenting an accessibility problem. Ems worked, but only down to 1.0 in IE PC, and 1.0 is the big default again. Sub 1.0 ems went microscopic. ALA did a nice article on how to use keywords, which was great but didn't work for Opera 6 PC. (How I can tell you are using the ALA method: It's like being slapped with an eyechart.)
Sane CSS Sizes
..wherein we present a method of text sizing in CSS that actually works consistently across our browsers without offending designers.
This is just a little something I've been meaning to put online for folks starting CSS. It's my generic text styles template. Due to browser shortcomings, what should be pretty simple is an unfortunate hell when you're new to things.
The short history of CSS text sizing involves a number of issues. First is that the browser defaults are huge, like 200% of program toolbar font. Absurd. So designers made text smaller, and they found the only thing that worked consistently across browsers (which in those days meant IE and Netscape) was to set it in pixels. Which could not be resized in IE PC, presenting an accessibility problem. Ems worked, but only down to 1.0 in IE PC, and 1.0 is the big default again. Sub 1.0 ems went microscopic. ALA did a nice article on how to use keywords, which was great but didn't work for Opera 6 PC. (How I can tell you are using the ALA method: It's like being slapped with an eyechart.)
text sizing - up the garden path
text sizing - up the garden path
FONT SIZING - a comparative tour
I'd had enough.
Being unhappy with the current wisdom and distrustful of our browsers, I wanted to have the font sizing options laid out so i could see where they did and didn't work. So I made 264 screenshots.
This collection is posted for anyone else who is unhappy and distrustful.
FONT SIZING - a comparative tour
I'd had enough.
Being unhappy with the current wisdom and distrustful of our browsers, I wanted to have the font sizing options laid out so i could see where they did and didn't work. So I made 264 screenshots.
This collection is posted for anyone else who is unhappy and distrustful.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Integrated Web Design: Strategies for Long-Term CSS Hack Management
Integrated Web Design: Strategies for Long-Term CSS Hack Management
Contents
1. Hacking Strategies
2. Hacks and Workarounds
3. Filtration Systems
4. Hack it Up, Take It Home
Article Description
Using CSS in a contemporary browser? You'll probably need to use a variety of CSS hacks to accomplish the best possible cross-browser compatibility. Molly Holzschlag helps you determine if you need hacks, how to manage them effectively if so, and which hacks you can employ to solve a range of common compatibility problems.
Contents
1. Hacking Strategies
2. Hacks and Workarounds
3. Filtration Systems
4. Hack it Up, Take It Home
Article Description
Using CSS in a contemporary browser? You'll probably need to use a variety of CSS hacks to accomplish the best possible cross-browser compatibility. Molly Holzschlag helps you determine if you need hacks, how to manage them effectively if so, and which hacks you can employ to solve a range of common compatibility problems.
Free RSS feed editor - Create and manage your own RSS and podcasting feeds for free!
Free RSS feed editor - Create and manage your own RSS and podcasting feeds for free!
RSSeditor/Win v0.9.50 - Create and manage your own RSS and podcasting feeds!
March 2005:
RSSeditor/Win v0.9.50 is available now with and supports podcasts! Some help text is integrated into the application, but there is no detailed documentation yet.
What is new?
* Several bugs fixed
* Now supports for each entry
* Podcasting: Full support for-tag, RSSeditor/Win checks the file and tries to set file size and mime type.
Please download your free copy of our software and give us some feedback!
RSSeditor/Win v0.9.50 - Create and manage your own RSS and podcasting feeds!
March 2005:
RSSeditor/Win v0.9.50 is available now with and supports podcasts! Some help text is integrated into the application, but there is no detailed documentation yet.
What is new?
* Several bugs fixed
* Now supports
* Podcasting: Full support for
Please download your free copy of our software and give us some feedback!
UsableLabs.com
UsableLabs.com
Key Features
BlogExpress:
* supports all versions of RSS (0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 1.0, and 2.0) and Atom 0.3,
* is complied with usability guidelines for designing highly usable software,
* is designed for high readability,
* summarizes new items for fast glance,
* lets a user categorize subscriptions hierarchically,
* fast synchronizes many feeds simultaneously (multi-threaded),
* supports rapid synchronization with conditional GET that synchronizes only updated feeds,
* supports unlimited feed subscriptions,
* can import and export OPML for subscriptions,
* can export subscriptions to HTML,
* has the built-in Web Tab function for fast viewing Web pages,
* supports unlimited Web Tabs,
* can detect unsolicited banners from intrusive Web Sites,
* supports drag-and-drop subscription from a Web page,
* supports drag-and-drop Web operations,
* is configurable to display the tree pane in the left or right side,
* sends emails directly from Web Tabs,
* supports off-line blog reading,
* supports a proxy server,
* supports automatic synchronization,
* can be hidden in the tray bar,
* and more. Please experience it yourself!
System Requirements
BlogExpress requires Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Runtime. The Runtime is bundled with most new computers running Microsoft Windows XP. However, if the Runtime is not available in your computer, you can download it from Microsoft Web site:
* Microsoft .NET Framework Redistributable 1.1 (download page)
Another way to get the Runtime is to use Windows Update. If you are using Internet Explorer now, select the menu "Tools" then "Windows Update". Afterward, follow the instructions shown in the browser to update your computer. We recommend you to select every update items available to you in the update page. Those will make your computer more secure.
Key Features
BlogExpress:
* supports all versions of RSS (0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 1.0, and 2.0) and Atom 0.3,
* is complied with usability guidelines for designing highly usable software,
* is designed for high readability,
* summarizes new items for fast glance,
* lets a user categorize subscriptions hierarchically,
* fast synchronizes many feeds simultaneously (multi-threaded),
* supports rapid synchronization with conditional GET that synchronizes only updated feeds,
* supports unlimited feed subscriptions,
* can import and export OPML for subscriptions,
* can export subscriptions to HTML,
* has the built-in Web Tab function for fast viewing Web pages,
* supports unlimited Web Tabs,
* can detect unsolicited banners from intrusive Web Sites,
* supports drag-and-drop subscription from a Web page,
* supports drag-and-drop Web operations,
* is configurable to display the tree pane in the left or right side,
* sends emails directly from Web Tabs,
* supports off-line blog reading,
* supports a proxy server,
* supports automatic synchronization,
* can be hidden in the tray bar,
* and more. Please experience it yourself!
System Requirements
BlogExpress requires Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Runtime. The Runtime is bundled with most new computers running Microsoft Windows XP. However, if the Runtime is not available in your computer, you can download it from Microsoft Web site:
* Microsoft .NET Framework Redistributable 1.1 (download page)
Another way to get the Runtime is to use Windows Update. If you are using Internet Explorer now, select the menu "Tools" then "Windows Update". Afterward, follow the instructions shown in the browser to update your computer. We recommend you to select every update items available to you in the update page. Those will make your computer more secure.
UsableLabs.com
UsableLabs.com
Sponsor
The development of FeedSpring is supported by the Knowledge Management Institute, Thailand (KMI). UsableLabs deeply appreciate their generosity.
KMI and UsableLabs aim that FeedSpring will help RSS feeds be sprung all over Thailand!! We anticipate that RSS files are excellent carriers of knowledge. By taking some active roles on developing technologies related to RSS, we hope that this may fullfill our goal of initiating nation-wide knowledge management.
Under KMI direction, UsableLabs is currently developing several KM tools, which will be open-source and soon available here.
License
FeedSpring is free software released under the open source GNU General Public License (GNU GPL). Any derivatives of this software, must also be released under the GPL. Developers who are interested in helping the development of FeedSpring, please contact: info@usablelabs.com
Sponsor
The development of FeedSpring is supported by the Knowledge Management Institute, Thailand (KMI). UsableLabs deeply appreciate their generosity.
KMI and UsableLabs aim that FeedSpring will help RSS feeds be sprung all over Thailand!! We anticipate that RSS files are excellent carriers of knowledge. By taking some active roles on developing technologies related to RSS, we hope that this may fullfill our goal of initiating nation-wide knowledge management.
Under KMI direction, UsableLabs is currently developing several KM tools, which will be open-source and soon available here.
License
FeedSpring is free software released under the open source GNU General Public License (GNU GPL). Any derivatives of this software, must also be released under the GPL. Developers who are interested in helping the development of FeedSpring, please contact: info@usablelabs.com
Web Content Builder
Web Content Builder
Web Content Blog
Please read from the bottom up. The Web Content Blog is designed to help people build quality information for there websites fast! All posts are the copyright of there owner unless stated otherwise.
Web Content Blog
Please read from the bottom up. The Web Content Blog is designed to help people build quality information for there websites fast! All posts are the copyright of there owner unless stated otherwise.
elearningpost: 10 Damaging E-learning Myths
elearningpost: 10 Damaging E-learning Myths
(from the comments-->)
Myth: "Rest In Peace > Traditional Learning". A lot say that the education/learning/ knowledge transfer in future is just going to be elearning; I wonder how true it can be. The more farther I try to think, more pseudo the statement seems to me.
Eventhough we have advanced elearning products which can teach rocket science, explain structure of D.N.A, build a space station in 30 days :) blah...blah...blah...I am sure we don't have and can't have Keats or Shakespere in elearning. Poetry, drama, dance etc., there are many fields of knowledge which can't be potrayed using elearning. I know that in today's world...best practices/processes/ statements will be redundant tomorrow; and there may be elearning programs which can teach all the stuff mentioned above...will there be that 'human touch' from the bottom of the heart, traditional learning gives?
Posted by: Santosh on May 6, 2003
Just like the viewpoints expressed by many, I totally concur with the myths that have been discussed in the paper. As an IT professional, I can relate some of this to the revolution that came about with the proponents of CASE Tools (to automate software development); This we can see is quite a futile process and not easily possible in terms of the application domain. If this were to happen we would only have spec writers (without creative flair) and no system developers within the IT world.
Moreover, it is very difficult to automate the analysis and design phases of system development using CASE Tools much like replacing the conventional classroom with an approach that lacks the human side all in all.
Irrespective of all advancements that may come about in delivery, one thing that is sure is the fact that we cannot work with the assumption that one approach suits or fits all. On the contrary, it is very true that blended approaches must be explored and used in order to strike a balance between face-to-face versus virtual learning.
sekam
Posted by: on May 4, 2003
Hi Elizabeth,
I feel your pain. However, the sad fact of the matter is that in the current economy e-learning bids are won mainly on cost (given a minimum level of quality). We are fast becoming a commodity market - price is everything. Also, let's not forget that training departments have never had the biggest budgets to spend - especially in difficult times. The attitude of a lot of my customers is that as long as it is equal to classroom training (not difficult), then price wins.
Solutions? Honestly, I don't know. But two common ways out of commodity markets:
1) innovation - we come up with something new that clients are willing to pay more for (e.g. quality simulations)
2) We find a new market - i.e. instead of chasing large blue-chip companies we try to start a new market (e.g. government or home learners). New markets are less prone to the terrors of competition, at least for a few years.
Stuart (the author of the article)
Posted by: stuart on April 24, 2003
This article is hugely useful, and I intend to mention it during interviews with potential employers. If they agree that these points are myths, they are likely to be people I want to work with!
I have worked as a scriptwriter/instructional designer for both elearning mills and a bespoke company developing corporate training. The bespoke company (now defunct) produced some magnificent pieces of learning that hit a lot of elearning buzz points (interactive, fun, learner focused, etc.)but which also received excellent reviews from learners and fulfilled the client's performance goals.
However, the bespoke company was constantly bedeviled by clients who could not understand why the solution was more expensive than that provided by x-other bidders, despite consistent explanation of the benefits of elearning that touched many different learning styles and considered learner need a primary element of the learning. Many a contract was lost simply because the bespoke option was too expensive, despite the demonstrated benefits of the solution.
Until clients can understand that sometimes more (money) means more effective learning and a better return-on-investment, which you touched on in your article, elearning mills will continue to dominate with mind-numbing books-on-line solutions simply because they are cheaper.
Posted by: Elizabeth OShea on April 24, 2003
(from the comments-->)
Myth: "Rest In Peace > Traditional Learning". A lot say that the education/learning/ knowledge transfer in future is just going to be elearning; I wonder how true it can be. The more farther I try to think, more pseudo the statement seems to me.
Eventhough we have advanced elearning products which can teach rocket science, explain structure of D.N.A, build a space station in 30 days :) blah...blah...blah...I am sure we don't have and can't have Keats or Shakespere in elearning. Poetry, drama, dance etc., there are many fields of knowledge which can't be potrayed using elearning. I know that in today's world...best practices/processes/ statements will be redundant tomorrow; and there may be elearning programs which can teach all the stuff mentioned above...will there be that 'human touch' from the bottom of the heart, traditional learning gives?
Posted by: Santosh on May 6, 2003
Just like the viewpoints expressed by many, I totally concur with the myths that have been discussed in the paper. As an IT professional, I can relate some of this to the revolution that came about with the proponents of CASE Tools (to automate software development); This we can see is quite a futile process and not easily possible in terms of the application domain. If this were to happen we would only have spec writers (without creative flair) and no system developers within the IT world.
Moreover, it is very difficult to automate the analysis and design phases of system development using CASE Tools much like replacing the conventional classroom with an approach that lacks the human side all in all.
Irrespective of all advancements that may come about in delivery, one thing that is sure is the fact that we cannot work with the assumption that one approach suits or fits all. On the contrary, it is very true that blended approaches must be explored and used in order to strike a balance between face-to-face versus virtual learning.
sekam
Posted by: on May 4, 2003
Hi Elizabeth,
I feel your pain. However, the sad fact of the matter is that in the current economy e-learning bids are won mainly on cost (given a minimum level of quality). We are fast becoming a commodity market - price is everything. Also, let's not forget that training departments have never had the biggest budgets to spend - especially in difficult times. The attitude of a lot of my customers is that as long as it is equal to classroom training (not difficult), then price wins.
Solutions? Honestly, I don't know. But two common ways out of commodity markets:
1) innovation - we come up with something new that clients are willing to pay more for (e.g. quality simulations)
2) We find a new market - i.e. instead of chasing large blue-chip companies we try to start a new market (e.g. government or home learners). New markets are less prone to the terrors of competition, at least for a few years.
Stuart (the author of the article)
Posted by: stuart on April 24, 2003
This article is hugely useful, and I intend to mention it during interviews with potential employers. If they agree that these points are myths, they are likely to be people I want to work with!
I have worked as a scriptwriter/instructional designer for both elearning mills and a bespoke company developing corporate training. The bespoke company (now defunct) produced some magnificent pieces of learning that hit a lot of elearning buzz points (interactive, fun, learner focused, etc.)but which also received excellent reviews from learners and fulfilled the client's performance goals.
However, the bespoke company was constantly bedeviled by clients who could not understand why the solution was more expensive than that provided by x-other bidders, despite consistent explanation of the benefits of elearning that touched many different learning styles and considered learner need a primary element of the learning. Many a contract was lost simply because the bespoke option was too expensive, despite the demonstrated benefits of the solution.
Until clients can understand that sometimes more (money) means more effective learning and a better return-on-investment, which you touched on in your article, elearning mills will continue to dominate with mind-numbing books-on-line solutions simply because they are cheaper.
Posted by: Elizabeth OShea on April 24, 2003
OASIS Open Standards | 26 October 2005 - 28 October 2005 | Wesley Conference Centre | Channel Events - www.crn.com.au/events
OASIS Open Standards | 26 October 2005 - 28 October 2005 | Wesley Conference Centre | Channel Events - www.crn.com.au/events
OASIS Open Standards
When: 26 October 2005 - 28 October 2005
Where: Wesley Conference Centre
More: http://www.open-standards.com
OASIS Open Standards 2005 is the third annual Asia Pacific event where both management and technical professionals from the business and government sector can gather to share expertise and promote open discussion on the latest technologies, applications and services supporting the global e-Business community.
Presented in conjunction with OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards), Open Standards is an event focussed on encouraging the use of standards-based technology to improve efficiency and interoperability between business partners.
OASIS Open Standards
When: 26 October 2005 - 28 October 2005
Where: Wesley Conference Centre
More: http://www.open-standards.com
OASIS Open Standards 2005 is the third annual Asia Pacific event where both management and technical professionals from the business and government sector can gather to share expertise and promote open discussion on the latest technologies, applications and services supporting the global e-Business community.
Presented in conjunction with OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards), Open Standards is an event focussed on encouraging the use of standards-based technology to improve efficiency and interoperability between business partners.
Office 2006 | 21 May 2006 - 23 May 2006 | Melbourne Exhibition Centre | Channel Events - www.crn.com.au/events
Office 2006 | 21 May 2006 - 23 May 2006 | Melbourne Exhibition Centre | Channel Events - www.crn.com.au/events
Office 2006
When: 21 May 2006 - 23 May 2006
Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre
More: http://www.officexpo.com.au
Australia's First Expo on Office Products including Office Equipment & Technology, Office Furniture, Stationery & Office Services.
Office 2006
When: 21 May 2006 - 23 May 2006
Where: Melbourne Exhibition Centre
More: http://www.officexpo.com.au
Australia's First Expo on Office Products including Office Equipment & Technology, Office Furniture, Stationery & Office Services.
New reseller takes on clickcalling - Platforms
New reseller takes on clickcalling - Platforms
New reseller takes on clickcalling
By Fleur Doidge, CRN 26 September 2005 17:33 AEST Platforms & Applications, Deal Makers, Mobile & Wireless
A Brisbane company has been formed to resell applications based around clickcalling, an internet-based telecommunications service from the Queensland service provider of the same name.
Paul Dignam, a business consultant for Gibsons Consulting and director at new reseller OpenComms Technology Group, said the new reseller would market applications of the clickcalling technology.
"I started OpenComms Technology Group with an associate who has been in the telephone and software business for 14 years and Doreen [Acworth, chief executive at clickcalling] has granted us a licence," he said
New reseller takes on clickcalling
By Fleur Doidge, CRN 26 September 2005 17:33 AEST Platforms & Applications, Deal Makers, Mobile & Wireless
A Brisbane company has been formed to resell applications based around clickcalling, an internet-based telecommunications service from the Queensland service provider of the same name.
Paul Dignam, a business consultant for Gibsons Consulting and director at new reseller OpenComms Technology Group, said the new reseller would market applications of the clickcalling technology.
"I started OpenComms Technology Group with an associate who has been in the telephone and software business for 14 years and Doreen [Acworth, chief executive at clickcalling] has granted us a licence," he said
Monday, September 26, 2005
Experience Designer Network: Connected Intelligence Impact
Experience Designer Network: Connected Intelligence Impact
Connected Intelligence Impact
Connected Intelligence Learning Environments are designed to shift many of the traditional assumptions about education, teaching, instruction and assessment into a new paradigm of learning. The essential shifts are...
1. Education System
* From: A self-regulated and separate aspect of society, culture and economy…
* To: An integrated system of lifelong and source of innovation for cultural and economic development.
2. Organizatonal Design
* From: monolithic bureaucratic hierarchies of mass communication...
* To: Flexible and adaptive networks of communication
3. Schools
* From: A physical building where learning takes place…
* To: A communications hub for global interactivity and participation
4. Curriculum
* From: A standardized pre-determined scheme of information and subject disciplines…
* To: A flexible learning environment for knowledge creation and applicaton
...
Connected Intelligence Impact
Connected Intelligence Learning Environments are designed to shift many of the traditional assumptions about education, teaching, instruction and assessment into a new paradigm of learning. The essential shifts are...
1. Education System
* From: A self-regulated and separate aspect of society, culture and economy…
* To: An integrated system of lifelong and source of innovation for cultural and economic development.
2. Organizatonal Design
* From: monolithic bureaucratic hierarchies of mass communication...
* To: Flexible and adaptive networks of communication
3. Schools
* From: A physical building where learning takes place…
* To: A communications hub for global interactivity and participation
4. Curriculum
* From: A standardized pre-determined scheme of information and subject disciplines…
* To: A flexible learning environment for knowledge creation and applicaton
...
Boxes and Arrows: Searching for the center of design
Boxes and Arrows: Searching for the center of design
Design is driven by many considerations. But on each project I’ve worked on, there seems to be a consistent center—a driver that determines priorities, direction, and the metrics used to measure success.
The most common driver I’ve encountered is “chooser-centered” design: Whoever runs the show sets the agenda. That doesn’t always mean the VP is in charge–the “chooser” might be a gung-ho lead developer. As Cooper illustrates in The Inmates are Running the Asylum, techies who are focused on the latest whizzy server platform can be just as unbalanced as a CEO obsessed over expressing the corporate mission, or a creative director who prizes aesthetics to the detriment of all else.
Design is driven by many considerations. But on each project I’ve worked on, there seems to be a consistent center—a driver that determines priorities, direction, and the metrics used to measure success.
The most common driver I’ve encountered is “chooser-centered” design: Whoever runs the show sets the agenda. That doesn’t always mean the VP is in charge–the “chooser” might be a gung-ho lead developer. As Cooper illustrates in The Inmates are Running the Asylum, techies who are focused on the latest whizzy server platform can be just as unbalanced as a CEO obsessed over expressing the corporate mission, or a creative director who prizes aesthetics to the detriment of all else.
StartupJournal | Strategic Management
StartupJournal | Strategic Management
Nowadays Appearances
Can Be Deceiving
By AMY CHOZICK
Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal.
From The Wall Street Journal Online
Last January, Kelly Ford helped launch Oriel Wines, an international wine-import business that sells 24 boutique wines from 22 regions and eight countries. But what might surprise Oriel's clientele is this: The company has only six employees.
"We're a luxury brand, so customers have to think we're bigger than we really are," says Ms. Ford, managing director at New York-based Oriel.
The secret is technology. To give the new company the look and feel of an international player, Oriel contacted NetSuite Inc., a San Mateo, Calif., technology-service provider that helps small businesses develop and manage operations from a single, hosted Web site. For Oriel, NetSuite has implemented software that tracks inventory, handles all accounting and orders, helps maintain customer relationships with email newsletters and sends out targeted marketing campaigns.
In the small-business world these days, appearances are increasingly deceiving. Thanks to new technologies small firms can look -- and in many cases operate -- like only larger firms could just a few years ago.
"You want to give the impression that you are efficient, creative and professional, and that you have access to all the resources and capabilities that a large business does," says Bruce Judson, a faculty fellow at the Yale School of Management and the founder of three Web-based small businesses. "Certain technologies can help you do this."
Custom Sites
In the effort to look bigger than they are, small businesses can start with the Internet. In the past, hiring a Web designer to launch a site with the necessary links, animation, stereo sound and interactive navigation was prohibitively expensive for many start-ups. They could create a Web site -- but it would look as small-time as they were.
Nowadays Appearances
Can Be Deceiving
By AMY CHOZICK
Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal.
From The Wall Street Journal Online
Last January, Kelly Ford helped launch Oriel Wines, an international wine-import business that sells 24 boutique wines from 22 regions and eight countries. But what might surprise Oriel's clientele is this: The company has only six employees.
"We're a luxury brand, so customers have to think we're bigger than we really are," says Ms. Ford, managing director at New York-based Oriel.
The secret is technology. To give the new company the look and feel of an international player, Oriel contacted NetSuite Inc., a San Mateo, Calif., technology-service provider that helps small businesses develop and manage operations from a single, hosted Web site. For Oriel, NetSuite has implemented software that tracks inventory, handles all accounting and orders, helps maintain customer relationships with email newsletters and sends out targeted marketing campaigns.
In the small-business world these days, appearances are increasingly deceiving. Thanks to new technologies small firms can look -- and in many cases operate -- like only larger firms could just a few years ago.
"You want to give the impression that you are efficient, creative and professional, and that you have access to all the resources and capabilities that a large business does," says Bruce Judson, a faculty fellow at the Yale School of Management and the founder of three Web-based small businesses. "Certain technologies can help you do this."
Custom Sites
In the effort to look bigger than they are, small businesses can start with the Internet. In the past, hiring a Web designer to launch a site with the necessary links, animation, stereo sound and interactive navigation was prohibitively expensive for many start-ups. They could create a Web site -- but it would look as small-time as they were.
WebCrimson - Easy Website Updates
WebCrimson - Easy Website Updates
WEBCRIMSON NEWS
Monday, September 30, 2002
We've simplified how template settings work in WebCrimson, so it's even easier to configure and customize your templates. Let us know if you have any questions!
WEBCRIMSON NEWS
Monday, September 30, 2002
We've simplified how template settings work in WebCrimson, so it's even easier to configure and customize your templates. Let us know if you have any questions!
RSS Viewer Applet: Window to the World of News (1/4) - exploring XML - webreference.com
RSS Viewer Applet: Window to the World of News (1/4) - exploring XML - webreference.com
Coming back to this episode's main topic of "News on the Web" we will develop an applet for viewing and navigating RSS channels. Let's put our newfound knowledge from the former article on news formats to good use and create a useful tool for every Web site that intends to publish information in RSS. Every now and then we will come across some best practices of software development from WikiWeb, the site that incubated Extreme Programming.
Coming back to this episode's main topic of "News on the Web" we will develop an applet for viewing and navigating RSS channels. Let's put our newfound knowledge from the former article on news formats to good use and create a useful tool for every Web site that intends to publish information in RSS. Every now and then we will come across some best practices of software development from WikiWeb, the site that incubated Extreme Programming.
The Code Project - Event Log RSS Feed Generator - ASP.NET
The Code Project - Event Log RSS Feed Generator - ASP.NET
29 members have rated this article. Result:
Popularity: 5.8. Rating: 3.96 out of 5.
* Download project source files - 3.55 Kb
Introduction
How many times did you need to check the Event Log of your production web server but since you do not have permission to log on to that server, you had to wait for the administrator or webmaster to be available and open the Event Viewer for you?
In my experience, that happens very often. Often enough to let me think twice before writing code that logs messages to the Event Log. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the Event Log is still a very reliable place to log diagnostic messages, and even if we log to a custom database infrastructure, there's the chance that that database becomes unavailable and we need a fallback plan. The Event Log is usually a good last resort place to log important messages. Aside of that, many other applications and services already log their errors and warnings in the Event Log, so we will always be coming back to it at a point or another.
What is desirable here is a more flexible way to access the Event Log. More flexible but not less safe. We also need to protect our system messages from prying eyes.
29 members have rated this article. Result:
Popularity: 5.8. Rating: 3.96 out of 5.
* Download project source files - 3.55 Kb
Introduction
How many times did you need to check the Event Log of your production web server but since you do not have permission to log on to that server, you had to wait for the administrator or webmaster to be available and open the Event Viewer for you?
In my experience, that happens very often. Often enough to let me think twice before writing code that logs messages to the Event Log. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the Event Log is still a very reliable place to log diagnostic messages, and even if we log to a custom database infrastructure, there's the chance that that database becomes unavailable and we need a fallback plan. The Event Log is usually a good last resort place to log important messages. Aside of that, many other applications and services already log their errors and warnings in the Event Log, so we will always be coming back to it at a point or another.
What is desirable here is a more flexible way to access the Event Log. More flexible but not less safe. We also need to protect our system messages from prying eyes.
RSS News Feed Generator -- The Landmark Project
RSS News Feed Generator -- The Landmark Project
To create a news feed for a topic you are teaching, enter a search phrase in the textbox above, as if you were doing a typical search on Google. Here are some tips:
* Enter individual words that should appear in the stories you are looking for.
* If you are looking for a person, or a phrase, type it inside of quotes.
* If there is a word or term that should not appear in the news stories, then type a minus (-) symbol in front of the word.
* If you are looking for stories in a specific publication, then add source: and the name of the publication, words seperated by underscores.
If you are looking for references to George Bush and education but not testing in issues of the New York Times, you would enter:
To create a news feed for a topic you are teaching, enter a search phrase in the textbox above, as if you were doing a typical search on Google. Here are some tips:
* Enter individual words that should appear in the stories you are looking for.
* If you are looking for a person, or a phrase, type it inside of quotes.
* If there is a word or term that should not appear in the news stories, then type a minus (-) symbol in front of the word.
* If you are looking for stories in a specific publication, then add source: and the name of the publication, words seperated by underscores.
If you are looking for references to George Bush and education but not testing in issues of the New York Times, you would enter:
RNSoft - Ronald Northrip Software Inc.
RNSoft - Ronald Northrip Software Inc.
At Last! — RSS Feeds Generated Right from Dreamweaver MX, MX2004 or Dreamweaver Version 8
So you build your website with Dreamweaver? Spend all your time updating pages and posting content? Want to get your content republished in portals and news sites like Yahoo and Google News? Want to provide your content to new audiences that use aggregators like NetNewsWire and RadioUserLand instead of web browsers?
To do all this you need to publish an RSS Feed — and RSS DreamFeeder lets you do it right from Dreamweaver without retyping your content and without having to know any new RSS/XML codes.
At Last! — RSS Feeds Generated Right from Dreamweaver MX, MX2004 or Dreamweaver Version 8
So you build your website with Dreamweaver? Spend all your time updating pages and posting content? Want to get your content republished in portals and news sites like Yahoo and Google News? Want to provide your content to new audiences that use aggregators like NetNewsWire and RadioUserLand instead of web browsers?
To do all this you need to publish an RSS Feed — and RSS DreamFeeder lets you do it right from Dreamweaver without retyping your content and without having to know any new RSS/XML codes.
DeadBrain - Branson announces pirate fertility clinic
DeadBrain - Branson announces pirate fertility clinic
Branson announces pirate fertility clinic
17 Sep 2005 by Malcolm Drury
In what appears to be a move to head off Danish company Cryos, which is considering a similar scheme, Sir Richard Branson announced today that Virgin is to open a fertility clinic onboard a ship anchored in international waters off the Humber estuary.
Speaking at a press conference from the basket of his hot-air balloon, Sir Richard told reporters that the latest offshoot to his business empire is to be called Virgin Birth. "It's an idea that we feel is immaculate in its conception," he said.
Branson announces pirate fertility clinic
17 Sep 2005 by Malcolm Drury
In what appears to be a move to head off Danish company Cryos, which is considering a similar scheme, Sir Richard Branson announced today that Virgin is to open a fertility clinic onboard a ship anchored in international waters off the Humber estuary.
Speaking at a press conference from the basket of his hot-air balloon, Sir Richard told reporters that the latest offshoot to his business empire is to be called Virgin Birth. "It's an idea that we feel is immaculate in its conception," he said.
Troubleshooting a slow PC
Takeaway:
Troubleshooting PC slowdowns with these 10 tips and tricks.
Description:
User complaints are minimal when new PCs are rolled out. They start up quick, and programs seem to open in a snap. But over time, users begin to notice that their system is slow or that it hangs up often. While the possibilities for system slowdown are endless, this download identifies 10 common troubleshooting areas you should examine first before you suggest to management that it's time for an upgrade.
Troubleshooting PC slowdowns with these 10 tips and tricks.
Description:
User complaints are minimal when new PCs are rolled out. They start up quick, and programs seem to open in a snap. But over time, users begin to notice that their system is slow or that it hangs up often. While the possibilities for system slowdown are endless, this download identifies 10 common troubleshooting areas you should examine first before you suggest to management that it's time for an upgrade.
RSS Users Visit Three Times as Many News Web Sites as Non-Users (News)
RSS Users Visit Three Times as Many News Web Sites as Non-Users (News)
In yet another batch of RSS research, Nielsen/NetRatings reports that RSS users are significantly more engaged in online news than non-users, visiting an average of 10.6 news sites compared with 3.4 news sites for non-users.
Other interesting findings include …
a] RSS users visit news sites more frequently than non-users, meaning they are in fact more loyal. To continue this line of thought, implementing RSS and converting visitors to RSS subscriptions will ensure greater reader loyalty, as well as additional impressions.
In yet another batch of RSS research, Nielsen/NetRatings reports that RSS users are significantly more engaged in online news than non-users, visiting an average of 10.6 news sites compared with 3.4 news sites for non-users.
Other interesting findings include …
a] RSS users visit news sites more frequently than non-users, meaning they are in fact more loyal. To continue this line of thought, implementing RSS and converting visitors to RSS subscriptions will ensure greater reader loyalty, as well as additional impressions.
Flash Insider
Flash Insider
The unofficial Flash Weblog!
Check out Albert Lan's site. It just won first place in Flashloaded's Showcase for September. Nice art work, nice animation, nice music. This guy has talent to spare. I like the interface. It's not exactly standard, but it doesn't obfuscate the content either. My only real beef with it is that I can't move from one section to another without going back through the main page (even though the section headings are visually interactive, they don't do anything), but it's worth spending some time on Albert's site, just exploring his work. He has to have the most beautiful contact form I've seen on a site in a while... I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future, and I'm sure we're going to with his talent!
The unofficial Flash Weblog!
Check out Albert Lan's site. It just won first place in Flashloaded's Showcase for September. Nice art work, nice animation, nice music. This guy has talent to spare. I like the interface. It's not exactly standard, but it doesn't obfuscate the content either. My only real beef with it is that I can't move from one section to another without going back through the main page (even though the section headings are visually interactive, they don't do anything), but it's worth spending some time on Albert's site, just exploring his work. He has to have the most beautiful contact form I've seen on a site in a while... I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future, and I'm sure we're going to with his talent!
Electronic courseware in higher education
Electronic courseware in higher education
Abstract
The rising costs of education often lead to the call for a change from the traditional, space–and–time bound institutions to ones that offer increasingly cost–effective, technologically enhanced programs. As institutions of higher education turn to technology, primarily Internet–based, to address these challenges, the use of electronic courseware is dramatically increasing. In order to effectively utilize electronic courseware in the classroom, educators not only need to be aware of terminology, functions, and uses of the most popular types of electronic courseware, but also (and perhaps more importantly) educators need to develop and critique pedagogically based research that can, at the broader level, help educators at various levels of technological expertise learn and adapt their teaching styles to maximize student learning.
In this paper we consider electronic course management systems from a pedagogical perspective, with the goal of aiding educators to effectively utilize electronic courseware in the classroom. By discussing the basics (such as terminology, functions, and uses of the most popular types of electronic courseware) and examining pedagogically based research we hope, at the broader level, to help educators at various levels of technological expertise learn and adapt their teaching styles to maximize student learning.
Abstract
The rising costs of education often lead to the call for a change from the traditional, space–and–time bound institutions to ones that offer increasingly cost–effective, technologically enhanced programs. As institutions of higher education turn to technology, primarily Internet–based, to address these challenges, the use of electronic courseware is dramatically increasing. In order to effectively utilize electronic courseware in the classroom, educators not only need to be aware of terminology, functions, and uses of the most popular types of electronic courseware, but also (and perhaps more importantly) educators need to develop and critique pedagogically based research that can, at the broader level, help educators at various levels of technological expertise learn and adapt their teaching styles to maximize student learning.
In this paper we consider electronic course management systems from a pedagogical perspective, with the goal of aiding educators to effectively utilize electronic courseware in the classroom. By discussing the basics (such as terminology, functions, and uses of the most popular types of electronic courseware) and examining pedagogically based research we hope, at the broader level, to help educators at various levels of technological expertise learn and adapt their teaching styles to maximize student learning.
Baker College
Baker College
Baker College is a valuable aggregation of resources with a progressive, online strategy.
Become an Online Student
One of the most affordable colleges, public or private, in the nation is Baker Online. There is an abundance of financial assistance available for those who qualify, including state grants, federal grants, scholarships, etc.
With the convenience of a classroom that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from almost anywhere in the world, Baker Online is an ideal way to earn your degree.
If you're searching for the career of your dreams, you owe it to yourself to find out more about Baker Online.
Baker College is a valuable aggregation of resources with a progressive, online strategy.
Become an Online Student
One of the most affordable colleges, public or private, in the nation is Baker Online. There is an abundance of financial assistance available for those who qualify, including state grants, federal grants, scholarships, etc.
With the convenience of a classroom that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from almost anywhere in the world, Baker Online is an ideal way to earn your degree.
If you're searching for the career of your dreams, you owe it to yourself to find out more about Baker Online.
FeedForAll - create, edit and publish rss feeds
FeedForAll - create, edit and publish rss feeds
RSS Graphic Tool
Create RSS Graphics and Buttons in seconds, for your website FREE of charge!
RSS feeds can significantly increase website traffic take a look at the graph to see the significant impact RSS feeds can have on website traffic.
Create, Edit and Publish RSS Feeds with Software
Existing RSS feeds can be repaired and enhanced with FeedForAll.
RSS feeds generated by other means can be automatically repaired, so that they conform to the RSS 2.0 specification.
RSS Graphic Tool
Create RSS Graphics and Buttons in seconds, for your website FREE of charge!
RSS feeds can significantly increase website traffic take a look at the graph to see the significant impact RSS feeds can have on website traffic.
Create, Edit and Publish RSS Feeds with Software
Existing RSS feeds can be repaired and enhanced with FeedForAll.
RSS feeds generated by other means can be automatically repaired, so that they conform to the RSS 2.0 specification.
Best Brekky in Melbourne
Best Brekky in Melbourne
Best Brekky In Melbourne
Our aim is to find the best brekky place in melbourne, or wherever we may wander. It might be the best food, the best service, and being a dog friendly place would also be good. It is one of the great things to do on the weekend, sleep in and then venture out in search of a great brekky place. I am one of those people who likes the sweet things, pancakes, waffles, raisin bread, and always a cappuccino. My partner on the other hand is more the eggs, bacon and juice type. Buddy is just happy to sniff around and maybe get some of the bacon, and if there is a water bowl around for him that is excellent.
Best Brekky In Melbourne
Our aim is to find the best brekky place in melbourne, or wherever we may wander. It might be the best food, the best service, and being a dog friendly place would also be good. It is one of the great things to do on the weekend, sleep in and then venture out in search of a great brekky place. I am one of those people who likes the sweet things, pancakes, waffles, raisin bread, and always a cappuccino. My partner on the other hand is more the eggs, bacon and juice type. Buddy is just happy to sniff around and maybe get some of the bacon, and if there is a water bowl around for him that is excellent.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Online survey software tool - Zoomerang - Easily create and send surveys
Online survey software tool - Zoomerang - Easily create and send surveys
Zoomerang is the premium global online survey software that businesses, organizations and individuals use to create professional, customized surveys.
Intuitive step-by-step interface-no technical expertise necessary
Thousands of companies and individuals in more than 200 countries use Zoomerang to conduct customer satisfaction surveys, market research, and much more
Multiple survey deployment options: email, web link, or targeted list
Automatically generated reports to assist you with real-time results analysis
Additional services available such as providing survey respondents and language translation
If you are ready to become a member, sign up online or call
1-800-316-0662 (toll-free U.S. and Canada),
00-800-9666-7264 (freephone for the U.K.) or
1-801-316-0454 (outside U.S., Canada and U.K.).
Zoomerang is the premium global online survey software that businesses, organizations and individuals use to create professional, customized surveys.
Intuitive step-by-step interface-no technical expertise necessary
Thousands of companies and individuals in more than 200 countries use Zoomerang to conduct customer satisfaction surveys, market research, and much more
Multiple survey deployment options: email, web link, or targeted list
Automatically generated reports to assist you with real-time results analysis
Additional services available such as providing survey respondents and language translation
If you are ready to become a member, sign up online or call
1-800-316-0662 (toll-free U.S. and Canada),
00-800-9666-7264 (freephone for the U.K.) or
1-801-316-0454 (outside U.S., Canada and U.K.).
Kevin Railsback
Kevin Railsback
Katrina People Finder - please help
As an IT guy in California, I thought there wasn't much that I could do other than donate money to help with the relief efforts. Reading BoingBoing today I learned about an excellent project where folks from anywhere who have a bit of technical knowhow can help out with the effort to help people find their missing loved ones.
The data in various sites where folks are posting to try to find their friends and relatives who were separated by Katrina is quite a mess. Since the data is so unstructured, doing meaningful searches and matchups is very difficult. I'm helping out with the Katrina PeopleFinder Project, which is taking these unstructured data sources and putting the various postings and info into a structured database to help folks find each other. Right now it's at the database building level - the public searchable interface is in the works but not completed yet. The most important thing is to get as many of the disparate sources of data consolidated into a well-structured database.
From Jon Lebkowsky:
Here's a project we're working on to gather Katrina data. Donated money? Please donate a little time. Join the Katrina PeopleFinder Project. It's easy. All you need is an internet connection and the ability to copy data into a form.
After Katrina, many friends and family members have been separated and left with no clear way to find each other. Hundreds of internet web sites are gathering hundreds, and probably thousands, of entries about missing persons or persons who want to let others know they're okay.
The problem is: the data on these sites has no particular form or structure. So it's almost impossible for people to search or match things up. Plus there are dozens of sites - making it hard for a person seeking lost loved ones to search them all.
The Katrina PeopleFinder Project NEEDS YOUR HELP to enter data about missing and found people from various online sources. We're requesting as little as an hour of your time. All you need to do is help read unstructured posts about missing or found persons, and then add the relevant data to a database through a simple online form.
Katrina People Finder - please help
As an IT guy in California, I thought there wasn't much that I could do other than donate money to help with the relief efforts. Reading BoingBoing today I learned about an excellent project where folks from anywhere who have a bit of technical knowhow can help out with the effort to help people find their missing loved ones.
The data in various sites where folks are posting to try to find their friends and relatives who were separated by Katrina is quite a mess. Since the data is so unstructured, doing meaningful searches and matchups is very difficult. I'm helping out with the Katrina PeopleFinder Project, which is taking these unstructured data sources and putting the various postings and info into a structured database to help folks find each other. Right now it's at the database building level - the public searchable interface is in the works but not completed yet. The most important thing is to get as many of the disparate sources of data consolidated into a well-structured database.
From Jon Lebkowsky:
Here's a project we're working on to gather Katrina data. Donated money? Please donate a little time. Join the Katrina PeopleFinder Project. It's easy. All you need is an internet connection and the ability to copy data into a form.
After Katrina, many friends and family members have been separated and left with no clear way to find each other. Hundreds of internet web sites are gathering hundreds, and probably thousands, of entries about missing persons or persons who want to let others know they're okay.
The problem is: the data on these sites has no particular form or structure. So it's almost impossible for people to search or match things up. Plus there are dozens of sites - making it hard for a person seeking lost loved ones to search them all.
The Katrina PeopleFinder Project NEEDS YOUR HELP to enter data about missing and found people from various online sources. We're requesting as little as an hour of your time. All you need to do is help read unstructured posts about missing or found persons, and then add the relevant data to a database through a simple online form.
U.S. state finalizes plans to phase out Office | InfoWorld | News | 2005-09-23 | By Elizabeth Montalbano, IDG News Service
U.S. state finalizes plans to phase out Office | InfoWorld | News | 2005-09-23 | By Elizabeth Montalbano, IDG News Service
Massachusetts released a final version of its Enterprise Technical Reference Model on the state's Web site Wednesday. According to the site, the new version, effective that day, "incorporates a new discipline for data formats within the information domain." As part of this new discipline, the state going forward will support the newly ratified Open Document Format for Office Applications, or OpenDocument, as the standard for its office documents.
Massachusetts released a final version of its Enterprise Technical Reference Model on the state's Web site Wednesday. According to the site, the new version, effective that day, "incorporates a new discipline for data formats within the information domain." As part of this new discipline, the state going forward will support the newly ratified Open Document Format for Office Applications, or OpenDocument, as the standard for its office documents.
NexTag: About Us
NexTag: About Us
About NexTag, Inc.
NexTag.com is the leading comparison shopping site for products, financial services, travel, automobiles, real estate, education and more. The company's proprietary Search And Match technology (SAM) helps shoppers quickly compare prices for products and services. NexTag's highly qualified traffic and performance-based pricing makes it an extremely efficient sales channel for thousands of retailers, service providers and individuals. Over 11 million people per month use NexTag.com to research, compare, and buy products and services online. The company was also recently recognized as the fastest growing comparison shopping service on the Internet*.
About NexTag, Inc.
NexTag.com is the leading comparison shopping site for products, financial services, travel, automobiles, real estate, education and more. The company's proprietary Search And Match technology (SAM) helps shoppers quickly compare prices for products and services. NexTag's highly qualified traffic and performance-based pricing makes it an extremely efficient sales channel for thousands of retailers, service providers and individuals. Over 11 million people per month use NexTag.com to research, compare, and buy products and services online. The company was also recently recognized as the fastest growing comparison shopping service on the Internet*.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
On Line Opinion - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate
On Line Opinion - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate
"Online Opinion is a valuable source of information about contemporary Australian politics and society; it is particularly valuable to me as an Australian overseas."
-- Dr. Lisanne Gibson
"I've read Opinion Online regularly since I discovered it through google searching for my favorite authors and topics. It seems to have great google placement! Thanks for providing this fantastic resource."
-- Emunah Hauser
"What a fantastic learning environment! I love learning. This is the best place to get it!"
-- Kay Webster
"I must congratulate you with your work - your forum has influences beyond Australia already."
-- George Gu
"I heard your site is going through the roof so keep up the good work!!"
-- Peter van Vliet
"I had a look at your site and was most impressed. It's a fantastic resource. There's so much good stuff on the Web but it's hard to get to it all. A clearing-house like this is just excellent."
-- Sophie Masson
"I have found Online Opinion to be the best source of comment in the country. I am pleased that there is plenty of progressive commentary given that conservative commentary dominates the nation's press."
-- John Duff
"This a great resource and a wonderful community forum."
-- Brad Akerman
"Online Opinion is intelligent, so much fun, and very healthy for a democracy - unfortunately it is really distracting and one could spend all day reading and commenting! To the editorial team, keep up the good work."
-- Selena Ewing
"I have appreciated Online Opinion's December commitment to giving a voice to young Australians. No other outlet gives people under 20 a credible voice, but you have proven that the opinions of the future are relevant today."
-- Daniel Donahoo
"I had a look at the new and improved website - it looks great! Very user friendly."
-- Nina Blunck
"What a truly Australian website! The most respected names in Australian academia alongside the rest of us, even those without portfolios. I can't think of an American equivalent."
-- Emunah Hauser
"Online Opinion is a valuable source of information about contemporary Australian politics and society; it is particularly valuable to me as an Australian overseas."
-- Dr. Lisanne Gibson
"I've read Opinion Online regularly since I discovered it through google searching for my favorite authors and topics. It seems to have great google placement! Thanks for providing this fantastic resource."
-- Emunah Hauser
"What a fantastic learning environment! I love learning. This is the best place to get it!"
-- Kay Webster
"I must congratulate you with your work - your forum has influences beyond Australia already."
-- George Gu
"I heard your site is going through the roof so keep up the good work!!"
-- Peter van Vliet
"I had a look at your site and was most impressed. It's a fantastic resource. There's so much good stuff on the Web but it's hard to get to it all. A clearing-house like this is just excellent."
-- Sophie Masson
"I have found Online Opinion to be the best source of comment in the country. I am pleased that there is plenty of progressive commentary given that conservative commentary dominates the nation's press."
-- John Duff
"This a great resource and a wonderful community forum."
-- Brad Akerman
"Online Opinion is intelligent, so much fun, and very healthy for a democracy - unfortunately it is really distracting and one could spend all day reading and commenting! To the editorial team, keep up the good work."
-- Selena Ewing
"I have appreciated Online Opinion's December commitment to giving a voice to young Australians. No other outlet gives people under 20 a credible voice, but you have proven that the opinions of the future are relevant today."
-- Daniel Donahoo
"I had a look at the new and improved website - it looks great! Very user friendly."
-- Nina Blunck
"What a truly Australian website! The most respected names in Australian academia alongside the rest of us, even those without portfolios. I can't think of an American equivalent."
-- Emunah Hauser
The Web Writer
The Web Writer
Most publications about Internet design focus on graphics, programming and commerce. The Web Writer focuses on text, showing you how you can maximize your message through formatting, usability and structure.
As a writer, your product is your message. The Web Writer will help you be sure it doesn't get lost online.
Published by Linda Moore: Instructional Designer, Writer, Editor
Most publications about Internet design focus on graphics, programming and commerce. The Web Writer focuses on text, showing you how you can maximize your message through formatting, usability and structure.
As a writer, your product is your message. The Web Writer will help you be sure it doesn't get lost online.
Published by Linda Moore: Instructional Designer, Writer, Editor
findfeeds.net A directory of the most interesting Atom and RSS Feeds » RSS Atom Feeds with Firefox.
findfeeds.net A directory of the most interesting Atom and RSS Feeds » RSS Atom Feeds with Firefox.
RSS Atom Feeds with Firefox.
* July 31st, 2005
We have created our first RSS / Atom / Feed Tutorial. There are lots of people out there who do not know anything about RSS Feeds and how to use them with their browsers.
Our first tutorial shows how to create a folder on your FireFox Bookmark Toolbar and then subscribe to feeds. The tutorial runs for about a minute and is fully flash animated for learning ease. Please leave me some feed back since this is my first flash tutorial.
RSS Atom Feeds with Firefox.
* July 31st, 2005
We have created our first RSS / Atom / Feed Tutorial. There are lots of people out there who do not know anything about RSS Feeds and how to use them with their browsers.
Our first tutorial shows how to create a folder on your FireFox Bookmark Toolbar and then subscribe to feeds. The tutorial runs for about a minute and is fully flash animated for learning ease. Please leave me some feed back since this is my first flash tutorial.
The eLearning Guild
The eLearning Guild
Yes! You CAN Get Published!
Learning Solutions e-Magazine is written by e-Learning practitioners, for e-Learning practitioners. That means it's written by people like you who are actively working in this dynamic field -- not by professional writers. Most people who write for Learning Solutions are members of The eLearning Guild, but this is not required.
We are looking for clearnly articulated strategies, techniques, case studies, or best-practices for designing, developing, and managing e-Learning to be developed into articles. We are also looking for quick tips, product reviews, book reviews, important ideas or concepts, and brief tutorials to be developed into shorter columns. By sharing your expertise with the readers of Learning Solutions, you not only add to the collective knowledge of the e-Learning community, you also gain the recognition of your peers in this industry and in your organization. Every issue of Learning Solutions is read by thousands of industry professionals.
We realize that you may have excellent content for an article, but may also have never written an article for publication before. If this describes you, don't worry! Our team of editors can help you complete your article and will work with you to polish it and get it ready for publication.
To get the process started now, simply submit your idea in the form of a "query" as outlined in the Author Guidelines section below. If your idea is chosen by the editors, you will be asked to submit a complete article, or to work with our team of editors to develop an article, on the topic you proposed.
Yes! You CAN Get Published!
Learning Solutions e-Magazine is written by e-Learning practitioners, for e-Learning practitioners. That means it's written by people like you who are actively working in this dynamic field -- not by professional writers. Most people who write for Learning Solutions are members of The eLearning Guild, but this is not required.
We are looking for clearnly articulated strategies, techniques, case studies, or best-practices for designing, developing, and managing e-Learning to be developed into articles. We are also looking for quick tips, product reviews, book reviews, important ideas or concepts, and brief tutorials to be developed into shorter columns. By sharing your expertise with the readers of Learning Solutions, you not only add to the collective knowledge of the e-Learning community, you also gain the recognition of your peers in this industry and in your organization. Every issue of Learning Solutions is read by thousands of industry professionals.
We realize that you may have excellent content for an article, but may also have never written an article for publication before. If this describes you, don't worry! Our team of editors can help you complete your article and will work with you to polish it and get it ready for publication.
To get the process started now, simply submit your idea in the form of a "query" as outlined in the Author Guidelines section below. If your idea is chosen by the editors, you will be asked to submit a complete article, or to work with our team of editors to develop an article, on the topic you proposed.
Free Project Management and Task Tracking - iTeamwork.com
Free Project Management and Task Tracking - iTeamwork.com
February 4, 2002 Task Completed - iTeamwork gets a face lift
More than just cosmetics, this "new look" improves on navigation to provide an even more intuitive experience. Generally, the changes were kept to a minimum to create a new software base that will allow for the addition of new features more easily. One minor change, for example, is that the main Projects view separates Active Projects from Completed Projects.
A couple of new features that will be integrated soon are the ability to manage team members and the ability to create task dependencies.
The new team manager will have such features as allowing a project creator to assign project manager status to other team members, delete team members and copy team members to a new project.
Creating task dependencies sets up a relationship between tasks that establishes the start of a new task to begin when some other task is completed. For iTeamwork, this means that an email notification is automatically sent to the assignee of the new task as soon as the dependent task is marked as complete.
February 4, 2002 Task Completed - iTeamwork gets a face lift
More than just cosmetics, this "new look" improves on navigation to provide an even more intuitive experience. Generally, the changes were kept to a minimum to create a new software base that will allow for the addition of new features more easily. One minor change, for example, is that the main Projects view separates Active Projects from Completed Projects.
A couple of new features that will be integrated soon are the ability to manage team members and the ability to create task dependencies.
The new team manager will have such features as allowing a project creator to assign project manager status to other team members, delete team members and copy team members to a new project.
Creating task dependencies sets up a relationship between tasks that establishes the start of a new task to begin when some other task is completed. For iTeamwork, this means that an email notification is automatically sent to the assignee of the new task as soon as the dependent task is marked as complete.
Online Web Based Project Management and Tracking - iTeamwork.com
Online Web Based Project Management and Tracking - iTeamwork.com
You may use iTeamwork for your project management needs free of charge, but...
iTeamwork offers solutions to host the iTeamwork Project Management Software on your own server or have us host a private version for you.
Click anywhere in this box to find out all the details and pricing...
You may use iTeamwork for your project management needs free of charge, but...
iTeamwork offers solutions to host the iTeamwork Project Management Software on your own server or have us host a private version for you.
Click anywhere in this box to find out all the details and pricing...
YouSendIt | Email large files quickly, securely, and easily!
YouSendIt | Email large files quickly, securely, and easily!
Why YouSendIt?
Large file transfers are quick, easy, and secure with YouSendIt.
Have complete confidence that your data will get to its destination. Our easy-to-use interface sends your sensitive information online safely.
Key Benefits
Easy to Use 3 simple steps on one web page! No accounts or passwords to maintain.
Safety Your data goes to who you want it to and nobody else. No risk of having data end up in the wrong hands.
Send Large Files Up to 1000MB (1GB).
Fast data transfers YouSendIt is designed to be lightning fast for your convenience and best user experience.
Data Security Encrypted HTTPS session (SSL/TLS) to ensure your data is secure.
Uses Typical Firewall Permissions If you can browse the Web, you can use YouSendIt.
Proven Technology Millions use it.
Value www.YouSendIt.com is completely FREE.
Why YouSendIt?
Large file transfers are quick, easy, and secure with YouSendIt.
Have complete confidence that your data will get to its destination. Our easy-to-use interface sends your sensitive information online safely.
Key Benefits
Easy to Use 3 simple steps on one web page! No accounts or passwords to maintain.
Safety Your data goes to who you want it to and nobody else. No risk of having data end up in the wrong hands.
Send Large Files Up to 1000MB (1GB).
Fast data transfers YouSendIt is designed to be lightning fast for your convenience and best user experience.
Data Security Encrypted HTTPS session (SSL/TLS) to ensure your data is secure.
Uses Typical Firewall Permissions If you can browse the Web, you can use YouSendIt.
Proven Technology Millions use it.
Value www.YouSendIt.com is completely FREE.
Computer Repair - Service - Support - Nationwide Fast Response On-Site Network
Computer Repair - Service - Support - Nationwide Fast Response On-Site Network
home.marketplacetitle.gif
You have 11136 Service Providers
ready to work with you today!
* Desktop Computer Repair
* Laptop Computer Service
* Virus Detection/Removal
* POS Installation & Service
* Rollouts & Upgrades
* Consumer Electronics
* Software Installation
* Wireless LAN Setup
* Printer Service
* Router/Firewall Install
* Micro Staffingsm
* VOIP
home.marketplacetitle.gif
You have 11136 Service Providers
ready to work with you today!
* Desktop Computer Repair
* Laptop Computer Service
* Virus Detection/Removal
* POS Installation & Service
* Rollouts & Upgrades
* Consumer Electronics
* Software Installation
* Wireless LAN Setup
* Printer Service
* Router/Firewall Install
* Micro Staffingsm
* VOIP
InformationWeek > Customer Data > CIOs Say Customer Data-Sharing Is Ongoing Struggle > September 21, 2005
InformationWeek > Customer Data > CIOs Say Customer Data-Sharing Is Ongoing Struggle > September 21, 2005
Gill Hoffman, senior VP and CIO at Maritz Inc., told InformationWeek conference attendees that the company recently hired someone to set up customer-data-sharing processes.
By Laurie Sullivan
InformationWeek
CIOs are still struggling with ways to comply with regulatory issues and share customer data among business units within their organizations. At the InformationWeek Fall Conference on Tuesday, it was a topic for a panel discussion between IT executives at synthetic fiber company Unifi, sales and marketing services firm Maritz, and trucking company Crete Carrier.
The three aren't small businesses. Maritz, a global company, garners $1.5 billion in revenue annually, supported by about 4,000 employees. Still, until recently its business units operated in silos. Employees talked a lot but didn't share the data. "Our value is providing customers with data they can't get through their own IT organization," says Gill Hoffman, senior VP and CIO at Maritz, which collects customer-satisfaction data for large auto manufacturers. "It became clear the information couldn't remain in silos if it was to benefit the customer."
Gill Hoffman, senior VP and CIO at Maritz Inc., told InformationWeek conference attendees that the company recently hired someone to set up customer-data-sharing processes.
By Laurie Sullivan
InformationWeek
CIOs are still struggling with ways to comply with regulatory issues and share customer data among business units within their organizations. At the InformationWeek Fall Conference on Tuesday, it was a topic for a panel discussion between IT executives at synthetic fiber company Unifi, sales and marketing services firm Maritz, and trucking company Crete Carrier.
The three aren't small businesses. Maritz, a global company, garners $1.5 billion in revenue annually, supported by about 4,000 employees. Still, until recently its business units operated in silos. Employees talked a lot but didn't share the data. "Our value is providing customers with data they can't get through their own IT organization," says Gill Hoffman, senior VP and CIO at Maritz, which collects customer-satisfaction data for large auto manufacturers. "It became clear the information couldn't remain in silos if it was to benefit the customer."
InformationWeek > Open Source > Using Open Source As A Weird Form Of Outsourcing > July 8, 2004
InformationWeek > Open Source > Using Open Source As A Weird Form Of Outsourcing > July 8, 2004
Software-maker Niku is opening most of the code in its project-scheduling app. The company believes it's a mature product and will concentrate on enhancing another app.
By Larry Greenemeier
InformationWeek
Niku Corp. has placed the future of its decade-old Workbench project-scheduling software in the hands of the open-source community.
The move is expected to cut the resources Niku must devote to developing and maintaining Workbench and provide Workbench customers with the ability to make enhancements to the software on an as-needed basis.
Niku's move to create Open Workbench is a response to customers willing to pay for software that they view as having a lot of value and yet seek less expensive or free alternatives for commodity pieces.
This trend won't hurt software-industry revenue, says Mark Moore, Niku's executive VP for products and services. He adds that reliance on the open-source community to tweak mature products such as Workbench on their own will force software vendors to devote more resources to newer, more sophisticated products that generate greater revenue.
Niku joins software makers Computer Associates and BEA Systems in opening proprietary code. CA in May said it would release its Ingres app-development and data-management software to the open source community in order to foster innovation and encourage developers and application vendors to use the database.
Software-maker Niku is opening most of the code in its project-scheduling app. The company believes it's a mature product and will concentrate on enhancing another app.
By Larry Greenemeier
InformationWeek
Niku Corp. has placed the future of its decade-old Workbench project-scheduling software in the hands of the open-source community.
The move is expected to cut the resources Niku must devote to developing and maintaining Workbench and provide Workbench customers with the ability to make enhancements to the software on an as-needed basis.
Niku's move to create Open Workbench is a response to customers willing to pay for software that they view as having a lot of value and yet seek less expensive or free alternatives for commodity pieces.
This trend won't hurt software-industry revenue, says Mark Moore, Niku's executive VP for products and services. He adds that reliance on the open-source community to tweak mature products such as Workbench on their own will force software vendors to devote more resources to newer, more sophisticated products that generate greater revenue.
Niku joins software makers Computer Associates and BEA Systems in opening proprietary code. CA in May said it would release its Ingres app-development and data-management software to the open source community in order to foster innovation and encourage developers and application vendors to use the database.
Open Workbench - News
Open Workbench - News
Niku Unveils Open Workbench:
First Open Source Alternative for Microsoft Project
Project Workbench ™ - Desktop Scheduler Used by More Than
100,000 Project Management Professionals - Now Available Free of Charge
Redwood City, Calif. — July 12, 2004 — Niku Corporation (Nasdaq: NIKU ), the leader in IT Management and Governance (IT - MG) solutions, today announced the launch of Open Workbench, the open source release of Project Workbench ™ , its popular project scheduling tool. In releasing Open Workbench, Niku is offering the first compelling and free alternative to Microsoft ® Project. Open Workbench is available today for download free of charge at www.openworkbench.org. Additionally, the source code will be available next month through SourceForge (www.sourceforge.net), the world’s largest open source software development web site.
“BBH has been very well served for more than ten years exclusively using Niku tools for scheduling our IT team. Quite simply, it does the job better than anything else,” said Rick Berk, CIO at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., an award - winning provider of global custody, FX, securities lending and brokerage services for many of the world’s most sophisticated mutual funds, investment managers, banks and insurance companies . “We applaud Niku’s move to align Workbench with the open source community, as we believe that having direct access to the software code can give us a new level of service and self - support, coupled with a new set of resources committed to evolving this already - excellent product.”
Workbench, also known as Project Workbench and ABT Workbench, is the trusted tool for more than 100,000 project management professionals around the world, in part because of its unique ability to generate schedules based on resource constraints. Now those users will be able to deploy Open Workbench free of charge throughout their enterprises. Additionally, open source developers will find a new community of business users interested in their enhancements and extensions.
“Desktop project scheduling tools, though nearly a billion -dollar market, are commodity products today,” said Matt Light, Gartner Group research director and chair of Gartner's Project Portfolio Management Research Community. “Open source project schedulers will allow vendors to focus on meeting the demand for the more complex applications of portfolio management as well as IT planning, governance and control.”
Niku Unveils Open Workbench:
First Open Source Alternative for Microsoft Project
Project Workbench ™ - Desktop Scheduler Used by More Than
100,000 Project Management Professionals - Now Available Free of Charge
Redwood City, Calif. — July 12, 2004 — Niku Corporation (Nasdaq: NIKU ), the leader in IT Management and Governance (IT - MG) solutions, today announced the launch of Open Workbench, the open source release of Project Workbench ™ , its popular project scheduling tool. In releasing Open Workbench, Niku is offering the first compelling and free alternative to Microsoft ® Project. Open Workbench is available today for download free of charge at www.openworkbench.org. Additionally, the source code will be available next month through SourceForge (www.sourceforge.net), the world’s largest open source software development web site.
“BBH has been very well served for more than ten years exclusively using Niku tools for scheduling our IT team. Quite simply, it does the job better than anything else,” said Rick Berk, CIO at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., an award - winning provider of global custody, FX, securities lending and brokerage services for many of the world’s most sophisticated mutual funds, investment managers, banks and insurance companies . “We applaud Niku’s move to align Workbench with the open source community, as we believe that having direct access to the software code can give us a new level of service and self - support, coupled with a new set of resources committed to evolving this already - excellent product.”
Workbench, also known as Project Workbench and ABT Workbench, is the trusted tool for more than 100,000 project management professionals around the world, in part because of its unique ability to generate schedules based on resource constraints. Now those users will be able to deploy Open Workbench free of charge throughout their enterprises. Additionally, open source developers will find a new community of business users interested in their enhancements and extensions.
“Desktop project scheduling tools, though nearly a billion -dollar market, are commodity products today,” said Matt Light, Gartner Group research director and chair of Gartner's Project Portfolio Management Research Community. “Open source project schedulers will allow vendors to focus on meeting the demand for the more complex applications of portfolio management as well as IT planning, governance and control.”
Open Workbench - Product
Open Workbench - Product
(Product datasheet)
Open Workbench
Complete Desktop Project Planning and Scheduling
Open Workbench is an open source Windows-based desktop application that provides robust project scheduling and management functionality and is free to distribute throughout the enterprise. When users need to move beyond desktop scheduling to a workgroup, division or enterprise-wide solution, they can upgrade to the Clarity™ system from Niku, an enterprise portfolio management system that offers bidirectional integration with Open Workbench.
(Product datasheet)
Open Workbench
Complete Desktop Project Planning and Scheduling
Open Workbench is an open source Windows-based desktop application that provides robust project scheduling and management functionality and is free to distribute throughout the enterprise. When users need to move beyond desktop scheduling to a workgroup, division or enterprise-wide solution, they can upgrade to the Clarity™ system from Niku, an enterprise portfolio management system that offers bidirectional integration with Open Workbench.
Writing for IDEA Magazine
Writing for IDEA Magazine
Thoughts on Paul Rand by John Maeda
As a graduate student at MIT, I stumbled upon a thin, nondescript book called "Thoughts on Design" by Paul Rand. At the time I was building a reputation for myself as being a gifted graphical user interface designer. However, as I flipped through Rand's book I was humbled by the power with which he manipulated space and at the same time struck by the clarity of his accompanying prose. I was immediately inspired to pursue the field of graphic design, not necessarily pertaining to the computer.
It is ironic that 8 years later, I would return to MITas a professor of design, and that I would host a lecture by Paul Rand at MIT, which I did on November 14 of last year. The time for the lecture was set at 10am. For those familiar with how an American university works, an early lecture is very rare because students usually study late into the night and are less apt to attend events in the morning. But Rand insisted that he speak in the morning. He said, "If someone isn't willing to wake up to hear me to speak, I don't want to speak to them!"
The auditorium was packed beyond capacity with people from all over New England, some waking up as early as 5am to arrive in time for the lecture. The Director of the Media Lab, Professor Nicholas Negroponte, later remarked that during all his career at MIT he had never seen such an overwhelming audience for a morning lecture. Although conditions in the lecture hall were crowded, there was complete silence during the lecture as everyone's attention was completely focused on Rand.
The night before the lecture, we had dinner together; after which he said to me, "So, what are we going to talk about tomorrow?" My immediate reply was, "We?" He said, "Yes, it's boring if I just get up there and talk. So let's have a conversation first." So per Rand's request, I sat beside him while the lecture was given, and I began with some very basic questions. He began his lecture with the following:
PR: "I've waited 82 years to come to this place. I knew GyorgyKepes and Muriel Cooper, but they never invited me. I'm wondering why Mr. Maeda invited me at this late date, but I'll do my best".
JM: "What is design?"
"Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple defintions, there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated."
"What is the difference between a designer and an artist?"
"There is no difference between a designer and an artist. They both work with form and content. I try to create art, whether I make it or not is not up to me, it's up to God."
"What is the difference between 'good' design and 'bad' design?"
"A bad design is irrelevant. It is superficial, pretentious, ... basically like all the stuff you see out there today."
"What are the fundamental skills of a designer?"
"The fundamental skill is talent. Talent is a rare commodity. It's all intuition. And you can't teach intuition."
"Most of your designs have lasted for several decades, what would you say is your secret?"
"Keeping it simple. Being honest, I mean, completely objective about your work. Working very hard at it."
"How did you get started as a designer?"
(raising his eyebrows) "I think you should ask, how did I get started as a baby?"
Rand's lecture drew much laughter from the audience. He told many stories about his different logomark presentations. One that particularly stuck out was the story for the NeXT computer logomark. Rand spoke about how as Steve Jobs turned each page of the presentation booklet Jobs' smile seemed to grow bigger and bigger until finally he reached the last page and asked Rand, "Can I hug you?" and Rand replied "Sure." He then commented, "You know you've made a good logomark when your client wants to hug you."
He then relayed a separate story about work for a different client where there was a similar eager acceptance of his presentation booklet, at which time the client (a female) asked Rand, "Can I kiss you?" And Rand replied "Sure." He then commented, "You should be sure to tell your clients stories of what previous clients have done (in reference to the Jobs story). That way they try to one up the last client."
After his lecture, Rand offered to autograph copies of his books and there was a long line that did not clear up until an hour later. People would heap piles of 6 books apiece and ask for his autograph and he diligently would sign all of them. I tried to pull him away as I had to shuttle him to a private reception but he refused to leave until all the people in line were served.
His lecture was so well received at MIT, that Negroponte suggested that Rand join the faculty at the Media Laboratory, and we immediately began the process of appointing him to the faculty. Negroponte wanted me to verify Rand's interest in joining the Media Lab, afterwhich I faxed Rand explaining the situation. He replied, "Of course I accept the position" with "of course" underlined. A few days later he passed away.
Thoughts on Paul Rand by John Maeda
As a graduate student at MIT, I stumbled upon a thin, nondescript book called "Thoughts on Design" by Paul Rand. At the time I was building a reputation for myself as being a gifted graphical user interface designer. However, as I flipped through Rand's book I was humbled by the power with which he manipulated space and at the same time struck by the clarity of his accompanying prose. I was immediately inspired to pursue the field of graphic design, not necessarily pertaining to the computer.
It is ironic that 8 years later, I would return to MITas a professor of design, and that I would host a lecture by Paul Rand at MIT, which I did on November 14 of last year. The time for the lecture was set at 10am. For those familiar with how an American university works, an early lecture is very rare because students usually study late into the night and are less apt to attend events in the morning. But Rand insisted that he speak in the morning. He said, "If someone isn't willing to wake up to hear me to speak, I don't want to speak to them!"
The auditorium was packed beyond capacity with people from all over New England, some waking up as early as 5am to arrive in time for the lecture. The Director of the Media Lab, Professor Nicholas Negroponte, later remarked that during all his career at MIT he had never seen such an overwhelming audience for a morning lecture. Although conditions in the lecture hall were crowded, there was complete silence during the lecture as everyone's attention was completely focused on Rand.
The night before the lecture, we had dinner together; after which he said to me, "So, what are we going to talk about tomorrow?" My immediate reply was, "We?" He said, "Yes, it's boring if I just get up there and talk. So let's have a conversation first." So per Rand's request, I sat beside him while the lecture was given, and I began with some very basic questions. He began his lecture with the following:
PR: "I've waited 82 years to come to this place. I knew GyorgyKepes and Muriel Cooper, but they never invited me. I'm wondering why Mr. Maeda invited me at this late date, but I'll do my best".
JM: "What is design?"
"Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple defintions, there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated."
"What is the difference between a designer and an artist?"
"There is no difference between a designer and an artist. They both work with form and content. I try to create art, whether I make it or not is not up to me, it's up to God."
"What is the difference between 'good' design and 'bad' design?"
"A bad design is irrelevant. It is superficial, pretentious, ... basically like all the stuff you see out there today."
"What are the fundamental skills of a designer?"
"The fundamental skill is talent. Talent is a rare commodity. It's all intuition. And you can't teach intuition."
"Most of your designs have lasted for several decades, what would you say is your secret?"
"Keeping it simple. Being honest, I mean, completely objective about your work. Working very hard at it."
"How did you get started as a designer?"
(raising his eyebrows) "I think you should ask, how did I get started as a baby?"
Rand's lecture drew much laughter from the audience. He told many stories about his different logomark presentations. One that particularly stuck out was the story for the NeXT computer logomark. Rand spoke about how as Steve Jobs turned each page of the presentation booklet Jobs' smile seemed to grow bigger and bigger until finally he reached the last page and asked Rand, "Can I hug you?" and Rand replied "Sure." He then commented, "You know you've made a good logomark when your client wants to hug you."
He then relayed a separate story about work for a different client where there was a similar eager acceptance of his presentation booklet, at which time the client (a female) asked Rand, "Can I kiss you?" And Rand replied "Sure." He then commented, "You should be sure to tell your clients stories of what previous clients have done (in reference to the Jobs story). That way they try to one up the last client."
After his lecture, Rand offered to autograph copies of his books and there was a long line that did not clear up until an hour later. People would heap piles of 6 books apiece and ask for his autograph and he diligently would sign all of them. I tried to pull him away as I had to shuttle him to a private reception but he refused to leave until all the people in line were served.
His lecture was so well received at MIT, that Negroponte suggested that Rand join the faculty at the Media Laboratory, and we immediately began the process of appointing him to the faculty. Negroponte wanted me to verify Rand's interest in joining the Media Lab, afterwhich I faxed Rand explaining the situation. He replied, "Of course I accept the position" with "of course" underlined. A few days later he passed away.
Digital Information Design (DID) Camp
Digital Information Design (DID) Camp
Many traditionally trained, professional designers wonder what the next generation of computing technologies might bring to their field. At the same time, many digitally trained, professional designers feel that they have missed out on some of the cornerstones of a traditional design education. To work towards a common ground between the digital and traditional design sensibilities, during the summer of 2005 Professor John Maeda organized the first "Digital Information Design Camp," a three-week-long exploration, completely in cyberspace.
Week One / Type
Typography is the study of letterforms and how they assemble into legible texts. Of all the areas of visual design, typography is perhaps the most basic skill. Visually composing texts requires almost no effort at all (because you grow up communicating in text), however doing it well can take a lifetime in both the dimensions of form and content.
Week Two / Form
Form precedes type. You can't make a letter unless you have form. The reason why we start our camp with type is because the study of form is ... formless. Form is about that which is abstract. Things that are abstract can be somewhat frightening because your mind has difficulty holding onto that which lacks definition. As you age, however, all that was once conceptually daunting to you can suddenly become a source of great beauty and hope. Let us plant that seed in your coming exercises in form.
Week Three / Diagram
In the same way that a movie represents the culmination of a number of people's individual talents and skills, a diagram is where many of the skills in manipulating form and content unite as one. If the art of "making sense" lies at the fundamental responsibility of the visual designer, then there is no greater challenge than making a diagram that can enlighten.
Many traditionally trained, professional designers wonder what the next generation of computing technologies might bring to their field. At the same time, many digitally trained, professional designers feel that they have missed out on some of the cornerstones of a traditional design education. To work towards a common ground between the digital and traditional design sensibilities, during the summer of 2005 Professor John Maeda organized the first "Digital Information Design Camp," a three-week-long exploration, completely in cyberspace.
Week One / Type
Typography is the study of letterforms and how they assemble into legible texts. Of all the areas of visual design, typography is perhaps the most basic skill. Visually composing texts requires almost no effort at all (because you grow up communicating in text), however doing it well can take a lifetime in both the dimensions of form and content.
Week Two / Form
Form precedes type. You can't make a letter unless you have form. The reason why we start our camp with type is because the study of form is ... formless. Form is about that which is abstract. Things that are abstract can be somewhat frightening because your mind has difficulty holding onto that which lacks definition. As you age, however, all that was once conceptually daunting to you can suddenly become a source of great beauty and hope. Let us plant that seed in your coming exercises in form.
Week Three / Diagram
In the same way that a movie represents the culmination of a number of people's individual talents and skills, a diagram is where many of the skills in manipulating form and content unite as one. If the art of "making sense" lies at the fundamental responsibility of the visual designer, then there is no greater challenge than making a diagram that can enlighten.
business2blog: Virgin Viral: Arming Kids with Marketing Propaganda
business2blog: Virgin Viral: Arming Kids with Marketing Propaganda
You gotta love it! Corporate culture invades the family.
You gotta love it! Corporate culture invades the family.
Called Parental Enlightenment Kit, this site is packed with ammunition and propaganda kids can use to convince their parents they really, really need a cell phone. With pressurePoint presentations, pre-written emails, stickers, iron-on t-shirt patches, a tear-inducing thank you card, wallpaper kids can put on their parent's computers, and other stuff, the site arms kids with all the tools they need for the snow job.
You've got to particularly admire the instructions for the PressurePoint Presentation:
In order to convey a sense of professionalism, you might want to dress up in "business casual" attire. Sit you parents down in a comfortable position around the dining room table. Having a pitcher of water on the table would be a nice touch. You'll have your new phone in no time.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Ad-Hoc Personas
Ad-Hoc Personas
Defining Personas
A Persona is an artificial person, invented for the purpose of helping a designer understand the people who will be using their product. Personas have been used for a long time. When I joined Apple Computer in 1993, Joy Mountford and her group were using them, although not under that name. Pruitt and Adlin have traced their heritage to much earlier. But to the modern design community, their usage was popularized by Alan Cooper in 1998 in his book "The Inmates Are Running the Asylum."
Defining Personas
A Persona is an artificial person, invented for the purpose of helping a designer understand the people who will be using their product. Personas have been used for a long time. When I joined Apple Computer in 1993, Joy Mountford and her group were using them, although not under that name. Pruitt and Adlin have traced their heritage to much earlier. But to the modern design community, their usage was popularized by Alan Cooper in 1998 in his book "The Inmates Are Running the Asylum."
Human-Centered Design Considered Harmful
Human-Centered Design Considered Harmful
(The debate has come full circle already??)
We find that work in the kitchen does not consist of independent, separate acts, but of a series of inter-related processes. (Christine Frederick, The Labor-Saving Kitchen. 1919.)
The methods of HCD seem centered around static understanding of each set of controls, each screen on an electronic display. But as a result, the sequential operations of activities are often ill-supported. The importance of support for sequences has long been known ever since the time-and-motion studies of the early 1900s, as the quotation from Frederick, above, illustrates. Simply delete the phrase “in the kitchen” and her words are still a powerful prescription for design. She was writing in 1919: what has happened in the past 100 years to make us forget this?
Human-Centered Design has become such a dominant theme in design that it is now accepted by interface and application designers automatically, without thought, let alone criticism. That’s a dangerous state — when things are treated as accepted wisdom. The purpose of this essay is to provoke thought, discussion, and reconsideration of some of the fundamental principles of Human-Centered Design. These principles, I suggest, can be helpful, misleading, or wrong. At times, they might even be harmful. Activity-Centered Design is superior.
KNOW YOUR USER
If there is any principle that is sacred to those in the field of user-interface design and human-computer interaction, it is “know your user.” After all, how can one design something for people without a deep, detailed knowledge of those people? The plethora of bad designs in the world would seem to be excellent demonstrations of the perils of ignoring the people for whom the design is intended. Human-Centered Design was developed to overcome the poor design of software products. By emphasizing the needs and abilities of those who were to use the software, usability and understandability of products has indeed been improved. But despite these improvements, software complexity is still with us. Even companies that pride themselves on following human-centered principles still have complex, confusing products.
If it is so critical to understand the particular users of a product, then what happens when a product is designed to be used by almost anyone in the world? There are many designs that do work well for everyone. This is paradoxical, and it is this very paradox that led me to re-examine common dogma.
(The debate has come full circle already??)
We find that work in the kitchen does not consist of independent, separate acts, but of a series of inter-related processes. (Christine Frederick, The Labor-Saving Kitchen. 1919.)
The methods of HCD seem centered around static understanding of each set of controls, each screen on an electronic display. But as a result, the sequential operations of activities are often ill-supported. The importance of support for sequences has long been known ever since the time-and-motion studies of the early 1900s, as the quotation from Frederick, above, illustrates. Simply delete the phrase “in the kitchen” and her words are still a powerful prescription for design. She was writing in 1919: what has happened in the past 100 years to make us forget this?
Human-Centered Design has become such a dominant theme in design that it is now accepted by interface and application designers automatically, without thought, let alone criticism. That’s a dangerous state — when things are treated as accepted wisdom. The purpose of this essay is to provoke thought, discussion, and reconsideration of some of the fundamental principles of Human-Centered Design. These principles, I suggest, can be helpful, misleading, or wrong. At times, they might even be harmful. Activity-Centered Design is superior.
KNOW YOUR USER
If there is any principle that is sacred to those in the field of user-interface design and human-computer interaction, it is “know your user.” After all, how can one design something for people without a deep, detailed knowledge of those people? The plethora of bad designs in the world would seem to be excellent demonstrations of the perils of ignoring the people for whom the design is intended. Human-Centered Design was developed to overcome the poor design of software products. By emphasizing the needs and abilities of those who were to use the software, usability and understandability of products has indeed been improved. But despite these improvements, software complexity is still with us. Even companies that pride themselves on following human-centered principles still have complex, confusing products.
If it is so critical to understand the particular users of a product, then what happens when a product is designed to be used by almost anyone in the world? There are many designs that do work well for everyone. This is paradoxical, and it is this very paradox that led me to re-examine common dogma.
Moodteller: Estimating mood levels in LiveJournal
Moodteller: Estimating mood levels in LiveJournal
What is this?
A demo of a technique for estimating the current mood levels in the blogosphere using the language used by bloggers.
LiveJournal enables its users to tag their posts with mood indicators. We currently analyze approximately 5000 LiveJournal blog posts per hour using statistical language processing methods and estimate, according to the textual features of the posts, the percentage of them which are "happy", "sad", "excited", and so on; we do not use the mood indication given by LiveJournal. After the estimation is done, we check how good it is by examining the real indications given by the bloggers. The graph above shows the estimated and actual values per mood.
What do the numbers mean?
The Y-axis shows the number of LiveJournal posts reported with the given mood per hour. Accuracy is defined as (estimated-value/actual-value), and the average is done over all hours appearing in the graph. The correleation is the statistical correleation coefficient between the estimated and actual graphs.
Lots of additional technical information about how this works can be obtained here (PDF file): Experiments with Mood Classification in Blog Posts, or by contacting the author.
Why do this?
Why do we need to estimate the mood levels of LiveJournal, if we can just track the actual levels?
- First, we use LiveJournal only to show the accuracy of our method, since with this data it can be measured; but the same technique can be applied to other blog posts, not tagged with moods -- or even non-blog domains.
- Second, by discovering a large gap between the estimated and actual values (a sudden drop in accuracy), we can "sense" that something is going on -- there is a change in the pattern of language used for a certain mood, typically meaning that a global event is being reflected in a large amount of blog posts. This happened, for example, following Hurricane Katrina.
What is this?
A demo of a technique for estimating the current mood levels in the blogosphere using the language used by bloggers.
LiveJournal enables its users to tag their posts with mood indicators. We currently analyze approximately 5000 LiveJournal blog posts per hour using statistical language processing methods and estimate, according to the textual features of the posts, the percentage of them which are "happy", "sad", "excited", and so on; we do not use the mood indication given by LiveJournal. After the estimation is done, we check how good it is by examining the real indications given by the bloggers. The graph above shows the estimated and actual values per mood.
What do the numbers mean?
The Y-axis shows the number of LiveJournal posts reported with the given mood per hour. Accuracy is defined as (estimated-value/actual-value), and the average is done over all hours appearing in the graph. The correleation is the statistical correleation coefficient between the estimated and actual graphs.
Lots of additional technical information about how this works can be obtained here (PDF file): Experiments with Mood Classification in Blog Posts, or by contacting the author.
Why do this?
Why do we need to estimate the mood levels of LiveJournal, if we can just track the actual levels?
- First, we use LiveJournal only to show the accuracy of our method, since with this data it can be measured; but the same technique can be applied to other blog posts, not tagged with moods -- or even non-blog domains.
- Second, by discovering a large gap between the estimated and actual values (a sudden drop in accuracy), we can "sense" that something is going on -- there is a change in the pattern of language used for a certain mood, typically meaning that a global event is being reflected in a large amount of blog posts. This happened, for example, following Hurricane Katrina.
Sensis - Products and Solutions
Sensis - Products and Solutions
Advertising on Sensis® 1234
The benefits of advertising on Sensis® 1234
Sensis® 1234 makes White Pages® directory and most Yellow Pages® directory listings available to consumers over the phone. A Sensis® 1234 Priority Listing makes your listing work harder, helping to deliver more customers to your business.
A Priority Listing lets you extend your reach and measure your investment, and you don’t need to wait more than 14 days for your Priority Listing to be made available.
Download the Sensis® 1234 advertising brochure [PDF, 204KB] to find out more about the benefits of becoming a Priority Listing advertiser on Sensis® 1234.
Advertising on Sensis® 1234
The benefits of advertising on Sensis® 1234
Sensis® 1234 makes White Pages® directory and most Yellow Pages® directory listings available to consumers over the phone. A Sensis® 1234 Priority Listing makes your listing work harder, helping to deliver more customers to your business.
A Priority Listing lets you extend your reach and measure your investment, and you don’t need to wait more than 14 days for your Priority Listing to be made available.
Download the Sensis® 1234 advertising brochure [PDF, 204KB] to find out more about the benefits of becoming a Priority Listing advertiser on Sensis® 1234.
Alexa Web Search -- Webmaster Services
Alexa Web Search -- Webmaster Services
Make MONEY and improve your business with Alexa Services for Webmasters!
Working in cooperation with Amazon.com, Alexa has created Alexa Services for Webmasters, specifically designed for website owners. These services allow you to enhance your website with the Alexa Tools and earn additional income.
Make MONEY and improve your business with Alexa Services for Webmasters!
Working in cooperation with Amazon.com, Alexa has created Alexa Services for Webmasters, specifically designed for website owners. These services allow you to enhance your website with the Alexa Tools and earn additional income.
Affiliates
Affiliates
Safari has provided a number of tools to help you deliver Safari content to your users, from simple plug-and-play solutions to powerful API calls enabling compelling integration. And we’ve provided a variety of Implementation Examples to show you how to pull it all together.
Safari has provided a number of tools to help you deliver Safari content to your users, from simple plug-and-play solutions to powerful API calls enabling compelling integration. And we’ve provided a variety of Implementation Examples to show you how to pull it all together.
Janison Solutions - About Us
Janison Solutions - About Us
Janison is an Australian owned and developed company based in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia.
Our concepts of support and client relationships are proudly based on the traditions of regional Australia. The track record we have built, stems from our commitment to supporting clients in their endeavours, regardless of their location or size.
At Janison, we believe in helping organisations gain competitive advantage by building capability and capacity through the use of our products and services.
Our core staff have a wealth of experience in the development of online systems, the management of projects, the creation of educational resources, the delivery of various training models as educators and the provision and support of network infrastructure. We have strong segment networks and an intimate knowledge of the needs of the market in which we operate.
Janison is an Australian owned and developed company based in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia.
Our concepts of support and client relationships are proudly based on the traditions of regional Australia. The track record we have built, stems from our commitment to supporting clients in their endeavours, regardless of their location or size.
At Janison, we believe in helping organisations gain competitive advantage by building capability and capacity through the use of our products and services.
Our core staff have a wealth of experience in the development of online systems, the management of projects, the creation of educational resources, the delivery of various training models as educators and the provision and support of network infrastructure. We have strong segment networks and an intimate knowledge of the needs of the market in which we operate.
eLearning Solutions - Web Conferencing
eLearning Solutions - Web Conferencing
Elluminate is a leading provider of live Web conferencing and eLearning solutions for the real-time organization. Serving corporate and academic sectors, the company ensures the best user experience through superior quality VoIP, communications that are in-sync regardless of connection speed, broad cross-platform support, and advanced yet easy-to-use moderator tools.
Elluminate is a leading provider of live Web conferencing and eLearning solutions for the real-time organization. Serving corporate and academic sectors, the company ensures the best user experience through superior quality VoIP, communications that are in-sync regardless of connection speed, broad cross-platform support, and advanced yet easy-to-use moderator tools.
Scriptwriter Central - Home of the Best and Most Valuable Scriptwriting Resources Online!
Scriptwriter Central - Home of the Best and Most Valuable Scriptwriting Resources Online!
"Welcome to Scriptwriter Central, where writing minds meet to create movie magic. We've got everything you need to grow as a writer, stay inspired, create great screenplays, and make the connections that get them sold!
And if you'd like to learn how to make 6-figures as a script consultant -- even if you're not a screenwriter -- this is the only place you can find out how! Check out the Script Consultant Institute for more info!
Stay a while, look around, and let us know how we can help you Take it to the Next Level!"
"Welcome to Scriptwriter Central, where writing minds meet to create movie magic. We've got everything you need to grow as a writer, stay inspired, create great screenplays, and make the connections that get them sold!
And if you'd like to learn how to make 6-figures as a script consultant -- even if you're not a screenwriter -- this is the only place you can find out how! Check out the Script Consultant Institute for more info!
Stay a while, look around, and let us know how we can help you Take it to the Next Level!"
ZoomInfo: People Information Summarized
Here is an excellent example of how to illustrate the functions of a business in Flash.
ZoomInfo: People Information Summarized
Technology Overview
ZoomInfo is a unique summarization search engine that finds, understands and saves useful information about people on the Web. The patented search technology continually scans millions of corporate Web sites, press releases, electronic news services, SEC filings and other online sources. Then, it intelligently compiles a concise summary about a specific individual or company.
ZoomInfo is one of the most sophisticated automatic content generation systems in the world. Every piece of ZoomInfo data is extracted and compiled by computer, with no human intervention. Company engineers built ZoomInfo by combining proprietary Natural Language Extraction, Artificial Intelligence Algorithms and Information Integration logic.
ZoomInfo: People Information Summarized
Technology Overview
ZoomInfo is a unique summarization search engine that finds, understands and saves useful information about people on the Web. The patented search technology continually scans millions of corporate Web sites, press releases, electronic news services, SEC filings and other online sources. Then, it intelligently compiles a concise summary about a specific individual or company.
ZoomInfo is one of the most sophisticated automatic content generation systems in the world. Every piece of ZoomInfo data is extracted and compiled by computer, with no human intervention. Company engineers built ZoomInfo by combining proprietary Natural Language Extraction, Artificial Intelligence Algorithms and Information Integration logic.
Business.com - The Business Search Engine® and Business Directory for Business Information
Business.com - The Business Search Engine® and Business Directory for Business Information
Most Comprehensive Online Source of People and Companies
ZoomInfo is a unique summarization search engine that finds, understands and extracts the latest online information about people and companies and instantly delivers it in concise and useful summaries.
The leading business search engine and business directory
Find products, services, companies, news, people, and jobs.
Most Comprehensive Online Source of People and Companies
ZoomInfo is a unique summarization search engine that finds, understands and extracts the latest online information about people and companies and instantly delivers it in concise and useful summaries.
The leading business search engine and business directory
Find products, services, companies, news, people, and jobs.
Reporters sans frontières - Handbook for bloggers and cyber-dissidents
Reporters sans frontières - Handbook for bloggers and cyber-dissidents
Handbook for bloggers and cyber-dissidents
Blogs get people excited. Or else they disturb and worry them. Some people distrust them. Others see them as the vanguard of a new information revolution. Because they allow and encourage ordinary people to speak up, they’re tremendous tools of freedom of expression.
Bloggers are often the only real journalists in countries where the mainstream media is censored or under pressure. Only they provide independent news, at the risk of displeasing the government and sometimes courting arrest.
Reporters Without Borders has produced this handbook to help them, with handy tips and technical advice on how to to remain anonymous and to get round censorship, by choosing the most suitable method for each situation. It also explains how to set up and make the most of a blog, to publicise it (getting it picked up efficiently by search-engines) and to establish its credibility through observing basic ethical and journalistic principles.
Handbook for bloggers and cyber-dissidents
Blogs get people excited. Or else they disturb and worry them. Some people distrust them. Others see them as the vanguard of a new information revolution. Because they allow and encourage ordinary people to speak up, they’re tremendous tools of freedom of expression.
Bloggers are often the only real journalists in countries where the mainstream media is censored or under pressure. Only they provide independent news, at the risk of displeasing the government and sometimes courting arrest.
Reporters Without Borders has produced this handbook to help them, with handy tips and technical advice on how to to remain anonymous and to get round censorship, by choosing the most suitable method for each situation. It also explains how to set up and make the most of a blog, to publicise it (getting it picked up efficiently by search-engines) and to establish its credibility through observing basic ethical and journalistic principles.
Lisas Little Book of Blog
Lisa’s Little Book of Blog
I was very flattered that Jeneane included me in the Powerful Voices section of her great article, Why CEOs Should Blog. As a service to her visitors, I’ve collected my Greatest Hits on the practice of blogging. That’ll work for the visitors — but I know what I owe Jeneane is an entry that will raise the hair on the back of your neck. Ho ho, I’ve got a good one. Watch this space.
In the meantime, I give you Lisa’s Little Book of Blog: Notes on the Practice of Blogging:
Fear & Blogging in San Jose: “Conversations about blogging with nonbloggers always end up being about fear.”
Blogging Sucks — But That’s A Feature, Not A Bug: “Many of my blogfriends have been talking about feeling unfree in blogging lately.”
When Bad Motels Happen To Good Bloggers: “That’s the great thing about blogging. When bad shit happens to me, I now think, this is going to make one fucking great blog post.”
Blog what’s useful to you, be glad when it is useful for others: Or, Why I Blog My Watch Instructions
Uh oh, they found out about my blog and they’re not happy: “Dear Jerry, I’m glad you’re back blogging…”
Be True To Your Blog: In Which I advocate blog monogamy. “I say unto you, fellow blogger: Don’t start another blog.” In which I rethink blog monogamy. : Oh, well.
We’re Making The Rules Around Here: “The fact is that most bloggers do have rules that govern how they operate their blog. Writing them down doesn’t make the blogger or the blogger’s readers any less free; on the contrary, it may make them more free.” Essay and links to bonus audio of a great discussion of this topic at The Berkman Center.: “Is the blogosphere better when only the CEO, the independently wealthy, the retired, the self-employed — can speak their mind?”: My personal Rules to Blog By. Not for everyone — seeWe’re Making The Rules Around Here for if, how, and why to write your own blog policy.: “The great indictment of the citizen journalist is “it’s just a hobby.” Can you even call someone who not only doesn’t make money on his work but spends money on his journalism on hosting fees and software — and who doesn’t subscribe to the principles of “objectivity” and “covering everything” a journalist?”
Why, why?!
Backing up my soul: “In my blog I create the immortal part of my immortal soul and do so in a humble, human way, like a castaway putting a message in a bottle. Because, unfortunately, the rest of me cannot be backed up.”
This All Started With A Mercy Date: “So I’ve decided to explode the whole damn thing: I’ll make a journal ANYONE can read. All the knots of secrecy I not only unbind: I obliterate. And with them, I obliterate your power to judge, or to shame, or to steal. I light a new fuse with each word: here’s one: I don’t give a flying fuck about your proprieties, little man!”
I was very flattered that Jeneane included me in the Powerful Voices section of her great article, Why CEOs Should Blog. As a service to her visitors, I’ve collected my Greatest Hits on the practice of blogging. That’ll work for the visitors — but I know what I owe Jeneane is an entry that will raise the hair on the back of your neck. Ho ho, I’ve got a good one. Watch this space.
In the meantime, I give you Lisa’s Little Book of Blog: Notes on the Practice of Blogging:
Fear & Blogging in San Jose: “Conversations about blogging with nonbloggers always end up being about fear.”
Blogging Sucks — But That’s A Feature, Not A Bug: “Many of my blogfriends have been talking about feeling unfree in blogging lately.”
When Bad Motels Happen To Good Bloggers: “That’s the great thing about blogging. When bad shit happens to me, I now think, this is going to make one fucking great blog post.”
Blog what’s useful to you, be glad when it is useful for others: Or, Why I Blog My Watch Instructions
Uh oh, they found out about my blog and they’re not happy: “Dear Jerry, I’m glad you’re back blogging…”
Be True To Your Blog: In Which I advocate blog monogamy. “I say unto you, fellow blogger: Don’t start another blog.” In which I rethink blog monogamy. : Oh, well.
We’re Making The Rules Around Here: “The fact is that most bloggers do have rules that govern how they operate their blog. Writing them down doesn’t make the blogger or the blogger’s readers any less free; on the contrary, it may make them more free.” Essay and links to bonus audio of a great discussion of this topic at The Berkman Center.: “Is the blogosphere better when only the CEO, the independently wealthy, the retired, the self-employed — can speak their mind?”: My personal Rules to Blog By. Not for everyone — seeWe’re Making The Rules Around Here for if, how, and why to write your own blog policy.: “The great indictment of the citizen journalist is “it’s just a hobby.” Can you even call someone who not only doesn’t make money on his work but spends money on his journalism on hosting fees and software — and who doesn’t subscribe to the principles of “objectivity” and “covering everything” a journalist?”
Why, why?!
Backing up my soul: “In my blog I create the immortal part of my immortal soul and do so in a humble, human way, like a castaway putting a message in a bottle. Because, unfortunately, the rest of me cannot be backed up.”
This All Started With A Mercy Date: “So I’ve decided to explode the whole damn thing: I’ll make a journal ANYONE can read. All the knots of secrecy I not only unbind: I obliterate. And with them, I obliterate your power to judge, or to shame, or to steal. I light a new fuse with each word: here’s one: I don’t give a flying fuck about your proprieties, little man!”
Market Research
Market Research
MindBranch has been providing companies with the most targeted market research since 1992. Search our comprehensive online catalog of over 50,000 market research reports, company profiles, newsletters, and subscription services by more than 400 top publishers and consultancies. MindBranch will help you stay on top of your industry with customized research alerts and personalized service. Our goal is to support your business strategies by providing you with an unbiased, single source for all your market research and business intelligence needs.
MindBranch has been providing companies with the most targeted market research since 1992. Search our comprehensive online catalog of over 50,000 market research reports, company profiles, newsletters, and subscription services by more than 400 top publishers and consultancies. MindBranch will help you stay on top of your industry with customized research alerts and personalized service. Our goal is to support your business strategies by providing you with an unbiased, single source for all your market research and business intelligence needs.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Spring Into HTML and CSS
Spring Into HTML and CSS
By Molly E. Holzschlag
...............................................
Publisher: Addison Wesley Professional
Pub Date: April 22, 2005
ISBN: 0-13-185586-7
Pages: 336
Slots: 1.0
What's Unusual About This Book?
This book, like the other books in the Spring Into… Series, provides the following unique approaches to the content within:
* Each topic is explained in a discrete one- or two-page unit called a "chunk."
* Each chunk builds on the previous chunks in that chapter.
* Many chunks contain sidebars and "Quantum Leaps," which provide helpful, ancillary material that is often more advanced than the main text.
The chunk style has been specifically crafted to meet the needs of busy people. I know you don't have a lot of time to spend learning complex ideas, so giving them to you in bite-size chunks is a helpful way to get you working as fast as possible, the right way, from the get-go.
What is unusual about this book is the modular design. Again, someone has realized that you build on small learning elements, to concepts, and then to larger goals. -- The founding principle of AEmeritus!
Free RSS News Feeds, Free Custom RSS News Feeds - Moreover Technologies
Free RSS News Feeds, Free Custom RSS News Feeds - Moreover Technologies
Free Moreover RSS News Feeds
This page contains a complete list of the free, advertising supported RSS news feeds available from Moreover Technologies. Please select a category below, or click on the link for a complete list.
Free Moreover RSS News Feeds
This page contains a complete list of the free, advertising supported RSS news feeds available from Moreover Technologies. Please select a category below, or click on the link for a complete list.
Boxes and Arrows: An introduction to user journeys
Boxes and Arrows: An introduction to user journeys
Consider implementing a wiki if:
You want to establish a company intranet quickly and cheaply without sacrificing functionality, security, or durability.
You want to publish a range of corporate documents in one universally accessible location and let employees manage those documents with a minimum of effort, lag, and risk of redundancy.
You want to manage and organize meeting notes, team agendas, and company calendars.
You need a project management tool that is cheap (if not free), extensible, and accessible through any Web browser.
You need a central location where shared documents can be viewed and revised by a large and/or dispersed team.
A wiki might not be right for your organization if:
You need to use complex file formats. Some wiki platforms can support only text or HTML files. Consider using a PHP/SQL-based wiki platform that can handle robust file types. Avoid wikis based on PERL.
You don't have a staff member who can take responsibility for its use. A wiki is only as good as its ontology (or the search engine it uses). You will need somebody who can establish conventions for naming pages and maintaining links.
The collaborative format isn't appropriate for your group or workplace. Peer review is not always the best solution for content management.
You're looking for an exchange of views. Wikis are not the best tool for airing opinions or carrying on conversations. If that's your primary goal, use a blog instead.
Consider implementing a wiki if:
You want to establish a company intranet quickly and cheaply without sacrificing functionality, security, or durability.
You want to publish a range of corporate documents in one universally accessible location and let employees manage those documents with a minimum of effort, lag, and risk of redundancy.
You want to manage and organize meeting notes, team agendas, and company calendars.
You need a project management tool that is cheap (if not free), extensible, and accessible through any Web browser.
You need a central location where shared documents can be viewed and revised by a large and/or dispersed team.
A wiki might not be right for your organization if:
You need to use complex file formats. Some wiki platforms can support only text or HTML files. Consider using a PHP/SQL-based wiki platform that can handle robust file types. Avoid wikis based on PERL.
You don't have a staff member who can take responsibility for its use. A wiki is only as good as its ontology (or the search engine it uses). You will need somebody who can establish conventions for naming pages and maintaining links.
The collaborative format isn't appropriate for your group or workplace. Peer review is not always the best solution for content management.
You're looking for an exchange of views. Wikis are not the best tool for airing opinions or carrying on conversations. If that's your primary goal, use a blog instead.
Customizations
With rare exceptions, you can create a macro to automate any task you can do manually in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, FrontPage, or Access. Macros are ideal for automating routine drudge work—those everyday tasks that normally require multiple menu selections and mouse clicks.
For example, you can use macros to
* Print company letters and companion envelopes—routing the printout to the correct network printer, and selecting the correct paper trays for letterhead, additional pages, and envelopes—and then printing file copies on yet another printer, or with a different tray.
* Apply complex formatting rules—everything from scanning corporate reports to ensuring that all "Level 1" headings start with a number, to validating the searchable keywords in a memo, to correcting common typographical mistakes such as two spaces following a period.
* Collate and aggregate budgets, at any organizational level, complete with charts and custom pivot tables, based on Excel spreadsheets submitted by each work unit. When changes come, roll the new numbers into the divisional or corporate report in minutes.
* Retrieve data from an Access customer database and generate collection letters in Word for all customers whose accounts are 90 days or more past due.
What Can You Do with Macros?
Say your branch offices post their sales reports over the weekend on your company's intranet. Your boss expects you to download each report, format it according to company style, add your analysis, and then turn it into a memo that can go out under the boss's name to everyone else in the department. You can write a macro to automate much of the task. The sequence might go something like this:
* On Monday morning, you start Word; choose File, New; select the Memo based on sales statistics; and click OK. Then you go get a latte.
* Word creates the new memo, complete with distribution list and a Word table at the top of the memo. Then the macro kicks in and opens the intranet Web page with the sales information, viewing it as a Word document. The macro steps through the document, pulling data from predefined locations on the page.
* The macro takes the data from the Web page, performs whatever mathematical gymnastics might be required, and puts the resulting numbers in predefined locations in the table. It leaves the Web page open, so you can see that the correct data has been posted over the weekend.
* The macro then hops down to the bottom of the memo, attaches your boss's signature block, and then backs up a few lines—leaving room for your analysis—and exits. You return with your latte; verify the data is correct; type your analysis; choose File, Send To; and send it to your boss for approval.
If others in your company perform similar duties, you can easily distribute the memo template and the macro. Those using the macro only need to know that clicking the button, or choosing the menu item, creates the report. As long as the format of the Web page doesn't change, they needn't know a thing about macros or VBA, or even how to modify their toolbars or menus. You can do it all for them, easily, with a macro.
For example, you can use macros to
* Print company letters and companion envelopes—routing the printout to the correct network printer, and selecting the correct paper trays for letterhead, additional pages, and envelopes—and then printing file copies on yet another printer, or with a different tray.
* Apply complex formatting rules—everything from scanning corporate reports to ensuring that all "Level 1" headings start with a number, to validating the searchable keywords in a memo, to correcting common typographical mistakes such as two spaces following a period.
* Collate and aggregate budgets, at any organizational level, complete with charts and custom pivot tables, based on Excel spreadsheets submitted by each work unit. When changes come, roll the new numbers into the divisional or corporate report in minutes.
* Retrieve data from an Access customer database and generate collection letters in Word for all customers whose accounts are 90 days or more past due.
What Can You Do with Macros?
Say your branch offices post their sales reports over the weekend on your company's intranet. Your boss expects you to download each report, format it according to company style, add your analysis, and then turn it into a memo that can go out under the boss's name to everyone else in the department. You can write a macro to automate much of the task. The sequence might go something like this:
* On Monday morning, you start Word; choose File, New; select the Memo based on sales statistics; and click OK. Then you go get a latte.
* Word creates the new memo, complete with distribution list and a Word table at the top of the memo. Then the macro kicks in and opens the intranet Web page with the sales information, viewing it as a Word document. The macro steps through the document, pulling data from predefined locations on the page.
* The macro takes the data from the Web page, performs whatever mathematical gymnastics might be required, and puts the resulting numbers in predefined locations in the table. It leaves the Web page open, so you can see that the correct data has been posted over the weekend.
* The macro then hops down to the bottom of the memo, attaches your boss's signature block, and then backs up a few lines—leaving room for your analysis—and exits. You return with your latte; verify the data is correct; type your analysis; choose File, Send To; and send it to your boss for approval.
If others in your company perform similar duties, you can easily distribute the memo template and the macro. Those using the macro only need to know that clicking the button, or choosing the menu item, creates the report. As long as the format of the Web page doesn't change, they needn't know a thing about macros or VBA, or even how to modify their toolbars or menus. You can do it all for them, easily, with a macro.
E-Learning Queen: Best Practices Gaps, Part I
E-Learning Queen: Best Practices Gaps, Part I
Best Practices Gaps, Part I
Podcast.
Best practices and online learning benchmarks are good, but limited. They fail to identify the places where institutions are likely to fall short, and they do not provide the kind of information that one needs when all systems fail, and students, faculty, support staff, and administrators are at their wits' ends because demand has outstripped capacity, and the only way to meet commitments is to go desperately into the red (fiscally speaking), and to ignore learner outcomes, although they are now mandated by the State in which the institution makes its home. This article explores gaps. This is Part I.
Committed Institution
Overview. The learning organization must prioritize distance and flexible learning, and in doing so, must demonstrate support that is realistic, appropriate, timely, and expandable for the future.
Possible Gaps.
---Program "force-fit" to institutional mission.
In their eagerness to offer online courses and programs, institutions may force-fit the program to the institution's vision and mission. The vision and mission of a university may be grounded in face-to-face interactions, and the philosophy that underlies the instructional strategy may require an environment that the faculty and staff understand only in terms of face-to-face instruction, or in traditional bricks and mortar arrangement. This becomes problematic because it creates a culture gap within the institution.
Although there may not be open resistance, the institution could find itself confronting underground backlash, and troubled with factions, divisive camps, and a breakdown of the vision itself. In this case, the institution must remember that it is reshaping the vision, and for it to be effective, all stakeholders must have buy-in. In other words, they need to have a role in shaping it, and mapping it to their own lives and agenda.
---Revenue generation perceived as more important than the education experience provided.
Although there are few people who believe this any more, the early days of online education were typified by the academic equivalent of get-rich schemes. Later, it became clear that the initial investment of online courses can be steep, and it requires ongoing maintenance and operating expenses, as well as what can be quite steep costs for instruction and student services. When expectations are not met, there is a tendency to try to retrench and cut costs. What results is a focus on costs rather than quality. Further, it becomes tempting to outsource services and to obtain open-source content that has not be reviewed or adapted to one's own instructional and institutional goals.
Learner-Friendly Environment
Overview.
Students, faculty, and other users find the services provided by the learning organization easy to use, accessible, and thorough. The learning organization provides online services such as registration, records, bursar, and library access. Technology utilized is up-to-date and appropriate for the user's actual environments and work patterns.
Possible Gaps.
---Ambiguous needs assessments. A successful online or hybrid program requires clear and realistic alignment with learner needs. In order to accomplish this objective and to attune courses and delivery with learner needs in the present (and not the past), it is important to utilize multiple methods of collecting data to gain understanding of the needs of the students. Current needs are important, as are what are projected to be important needs in the future. Focus groups, online surveys, random surveys, and interviews are effective methods and should be done on a regular basis.
---Always a half-a-beat behind the technology curve. It is false economy to have outdated technology, or to think that investing in online infrastructure is a one-time expenditure. Some of the most common ways that institutions find themselves behind the technology curve are:
-Insufficient bandwidth, and no plan to do "edge computing" to "load-share" surges in volume.
-Old, unworkable home pages and portals, with outdated java applets, javascript, etc.
-Old websites using out-of-date plugins (old versions of flash or shockwave, etc.)
-Failure to update software, holding on to old versions of learning management systems.
-Failure to hire adequate numbers of appropriately trained staff, support staff, and faculty.
Best Practices Gaps, Part I
Podcast.
Best practices and online learning benchmarks are good, but limited. They fail to identify the places where institutions are likely to fall short, and they do not provide the kind of information that one needs when all systems fail, and students, faculty, support staff, and administrators are at their wits' ends because demand has outstripped capacity, and the only way to meet commitments is to go desperately into the red (fiscally speaking), and to ignore learner outcomes, although they are now mandated by the State in which the institution makes its home. This article explores gaps. This is Part I.
Committed Institution
Overview. The learning organization must prioritize distance and flexible learning, and in doing so, must demonstrate support that is realistic, appropriate, timely, and expandable for the future.
Possible Gaps.
---Program "force-fit" to institutional mission.
In their eagerness to offer online courses and programs, institutions may force-fit the program to the institution's vision and mission. The vision and mission of a university may be grounded in face-to-face interactions, and the philosophy that underlies the instructional strategy may require an environment that the faculty and staff understand only in terms of face-to-face instruction, or in traditional bricks and mortar arrangement. This becomes problematic because it creates a culture gap within the institution.
Although there may not be open resistance, the institution could find itself confronting underground backlash, and troubled with factions, divisive camps, and a breakdown of the vision itself. In this case, the institution must remember that it is reshaping the vision, and for it to be effective, all stakeholders must have buy-in. In other words, they need to have a role in shaping it, and mapping it to their own lives and agenda.
---Revenue generation perceived as more important than the education experience provided.
Although there are few people who believe this any more, the early days of online education were typified by the academic equivalent of get-rich schemes. Later, it became clear that the initial investment of online courses can be steep, and it requires ongoing maintenance and operating expenses, as well as what can be quite steep costs for instruction and student services. When expectations are not met, there is a tendency to try to retrench and cut costs. What results is a focus on costs rather than quality. Further, it becomes tempting to outsource services and to obtain open-source content that has not be reviewed or adapted to one's own instructional and institutional goals.
Learner-Friendly Environment
Overview.
Students, faculty, and other users find the services provided by the learning organization easy to use, accessible, and thorough. The learning organization provides online services such as registration, records, bursar, and library access. Technology utilized is up-to-date and appropriate for the user's actual environments and work patterns.
Possible Gaps.
---Ambiguous needs assessments. A successful online or hybrid program requires clear and realistic alignment with learner needs. In order to accomplish this objective and to attune courses and delivery with learner needs in the present (and not the past), it is important to utilize multiple methods of collecting data to gain understanding of the needs of the students. Current needs are important, as are what are projected to be important needs in the future. Focus groups, online surveys, random surveys, and interviews are effective methods and should be done on a regular basis.
---Always a half-a-beat behind the technology curve. It is false economy to have outdated technology, or to think that investing in online infrastructure is a one-time expenditure. Some of the most common ways that institutions find themselves behind the technology curve are:
-Insufficient bandwidth, and no plan to do "edge computing" to "load-share" surges in volume.
-Old, unworkable home pages and portals, with outdated java applets, javascript, etc.
-Old websites using out-of-date plugins (old versions of flash or shockwave, etc.)
-Failure to update software, holding on to old versions of learning management systems.
-Failure to hire adequate numbers of appropriately trained staff, support staff, and faculty.
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